Dear Counsellor:

I am an elderly Jamaican and find myself with plenty of time on my hands. I would like to get more involved in my community.

- Monica

Dear Monica:

The elderly population is growing and we have to find activities to occupy people after they have retired. There are many activities in some communities to occupy our senior citizens. The senior citizen can be involved in church activities or activities at non-governmental organisations. The youth can work well with the senior citizen. The senior citizen can act as mentors to juveniles and instil values and life skills in them.

The upbringing of children requires the input of mentors and caregivers. The senior citizen has a wealth of experience which can be shared with the youth. Some senior citizens can get directly involved, while others can write books about their experiences. The reading level is reduced, but there are some young people who are avid readers. Writing a book is a good idea as it can occupy your time wisely. You will have a lot of activities to do with book signings and book promotions. The young people of today need the guidance of senior citizens.

There are many organisations which are dealing with various age groups. These organisations would welcome the assistance of the senior citizens. The senior citizen can benefit from the interaction with people who are of similar age or younger.

Gardening and pastry making are good activities to occupy one's time. You can supply schools or supermarkets with your pastries. Gardening brings satisfaction to an individual whenthey are able to grow flowers or vegetables. Again, the flowers and vegetables can be sold. Some people like to paint or teach others to play certain games. Whatever skill you have, it will be useful and marketable.

There is always something to be done, so you can find various activities to occupy your time.

Dear Counsellor:

My husband and I have been married for five years and are unable to have children. This has made us both unhappy and has caused a strain on the marriage. At this time we don't know what to do about our situation.

- Claudette

Dear Claudette:

Infertility is a condition that affects a large percentage of couples and brings misery and unhappiness. The first item on the agenda is an evaluation by an obstetrician and gynaecologist to determine the cause, if possible, for the infertility. The doctor will be able to determine whether the problem is with both partners or either one. These days there are many options with the treatment of infertility. With the help of your doctor you will possibly be able to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.

Treatment of depression is important, and you should go and see a psychiatrist to help you to cope. Your husband also needs to be counselled as well. Sometimes depression is treated with medication to speed up recovery and a return to normal functioning. In counselling, there are several techniques which are used to help the individual to relieve the depression.

Many couples have to adopt children and find this to be a rewarding endeavour. Fostering a child is also a good option. Think of your many options and decide which one is most useful and helpful to you.