California Capitol Airshow Caps a Memorable
Navy Week
Proposed Budget Amendment Protects Seniors From Caregiver Abuse
Pickleball Craze Sweeping the Country
Popularity of Cultural Dance Leads to Fun Fitness
NIA Study Reveals Key Findings on Aging
Senior Health: An Alternative Medication for a Good Night’s Sleep
Ted Ruhig: Is the State of California Holding Your Assets?
Dutch Treat: A Cold Metal Canine Offers the Warmth of Sparky
Klockwork: Plane Talk From a Now-Infrequent Flyer
Helen Farrell’s Time-Tested Prescription for Longevity
By
Sue Brown
Contributing Writer
If
you want to live longer and stay healthier, take Helen Farrell’s
advice and fill your days with volunteering. According to her, nothing
is more satisfying.
Helen is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s (RSVP) oldest volunteer
in chronological age and years of service. Turning 96 in March, Farrell is now
beginning her 35th year with RSVP. She just received a state resolution commending
her 30 years of volunteerism from Senator Deborah Ortiz.
Helen is proud of her collection of certificates and awards received from all
the organizations she has put her energies into throughout a lifetime of serving
others.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Helen moved to San Francisco in 1927 with her mother,
where she attended school. Married in 1931, she was later forced to raise a son
and daughter alone. With three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, she
has worked many different jobs, eventually retiring from the State of California
in Sacramento after nearly 20 years.
Helen has given her talents to KVIE and Interfaith Service Bureau’s Brown
Bag program, among others. Presently she works in RSVP’s office, helping
as needed - and on mailings for the Tree Foundation and Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Farrell fondly became known as the “Flower Lady” because she loves
to bring fresh flowers from her garden to brighten up the places she devotes
her time to. For 32 years, Harvest Time Senior Activities Center in North Highlands
has been her outlet for physical exercise and crafts.
Living in a senior complex, Helen prepares her own meals, swims, uses the hot
tub, plays Bingo and does an exercise tape for seniors.
Having survived cancer, Helen says, “The Lord keeps me going. I’ve
been a Christian since I was 10 years old, and I attend Hope Community Church,
where I participate in two Bible study groups.”
Her children recently got her a cell phone and a computer. When Helen put her
life story into a book, her granddaughter sent copies to all of the family.
Helen’s philosophy on life is to stay busy and find something worthwhile
to do.
“Sometimes I feel bad and would rather stay in bed. But I get up and forget
all about it. If you’re helping others, you don’t have time to worry
about yourself.”
And it seems that everyone can take a dose of Helen’s “help others
to help yourself” medicine. It’ll improve your mental and physical
health and improve your self-esteem. What a great prescription for life!
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is part of the National Senior Service
Corps and is sponsored by Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance. Call
RSVP at (916) 875-3631 to find your place in the community.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
