Editor's note: Breakthrough Spring 2004

At the Centre

Years ago, I read a lovely poem by the British poet Jenny Joseph called 'Warning' that starts with the lines: When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple / with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. / And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves / and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

I like this poem because in it, the author makes up her mind to just do what matters to her without care or worry about what other people might say. After a lifetime of meeting everyone else's needs and expectations, she decides it's time to follow her own heart, even if it means her clothes don't match.

If anything, this should be one thing we all look forward to as we get older: not caring what other people think and doing more of what matters to us. Pickles and pears for breakfast? Why not!

Sadly, we live in a world that doesn't appreciate older people very much. Many older adults live in nursing homes where they are often lonely or worse, treated with little dignity. Some are suddenly alone, as friends and partners die, and some cope by turning to drinking or gambling to ease sad feelings.

But being an older adult does not mean you have to accept feeling depressed, lonely or like a burden to others. There are many resources older adults can turn to, including CAMH's OPUS 55 program, profiled in this issue. Other health and community resources are listed on the back page. If you do not have a family doctor and are looking for one, contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario at  (416) 967-2603 or toll free: 1 (800) 268-7096 ext. 306 for a referral. And if you are looking for general information about addiction and mental health issues or would like to talk to someone about what's on your mind, you can call the R. Samuel McLaughlin Information Centre at 1-800-463-6273, or in Toronto:  (416) 595-6111.

If you are looking for support, ask to speak to someone at the telephone support line.

Growing older can feel challenging, especially if you have health problems. Know that you are not alone and there are people who want to help - many of whom are a phone call away.

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