Elderly can take action

I have problems with Dr. Zorba Pastor’s Jan. 20 article, “Loneliness and the elderly.” I can respond, as I am one. Several points were valid. Yes, we’d love to hear or see our families more. But their schedules are hectic. And yes, we’d enjoy it if someone would call us, or take us out, or send a greeting.

But to my partners in crime (old age), if we are able, we need to get off our duffs and stop feeling sorry for ourselves.

No family? Think of the single moms who work, take care of two to four children alone, go to bed and start over in the morning. Do you think they could use a phone call? Or have someone volunteer to watch the children once in awhile for free? And the schools love to have grandparents volunteer to listen to the children read.

If we can’t get out due to a physical ailment, there are missionaries and soldiers who’d give anything to receive a letter, or be remembered on their birthdays.

Think creative. We’ll lose our loving and giving abilities to self-pity if we stop using them. We need to start moving, and watch our health return.

Sharon Reidenbach

Spokane