'You become old when you do nothing'

At 83, Gerry Francisco keeps herself busy with volunteering and friends, and she recommends the same prescription for all seniors.

By CAROLYN HOPKINS

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 27, 2000

HUDSON -- Gerry Francisco, 83, has a voice that exudes reassurance.

With a laugh, she said, "Some have even said I sound sexy and much younger than my age."

For the past 13 years, she has used this positive force as coordinator of the Telephone Reassurance program at Cares Hudson Senior Center.

As program coordinator, she does the telephoning on Monday and Friday. She is assisted by Frank Quinlan on Tuesday and Wednesday and John Rummins on Thursday. About 75 calls are made each weekday. Claire Gavel calls about 25 on Saturdays from her home, and Marie Bernardi about 21 from her home on Sundays. Sylvia Madigan of the AARP is an alternate. Some on the list wish to be called every day, even when the center is closed.

Francisco explains how the program works.

She registers all new participants and takes information, including a list of medications, whom to contact in an emergency and physicians' names and phone numbers. On weekdays, the calling begins at 8 a.m. Each person on the list knows the approximate time to expect a call.

"If we are unable to get in touch with them, before we call the Sheriff's Office, we wait about two hours and then continue calling. We know that some people can't get to the phone too fast, so we let the phone ring at least 20 times and then continue calling. Sometimes we call a neighbor to make a check. When we have exhausted all possibilities, we call the Sheriff's Office."

A routine call begins with Francisco giving a cheery "good morning," then asking the two important questions: "Have you had your breakfast?" if the client needs to eat before taking medications, and then "Have you taken your medications?" Then there is a little time for a chat. "Sometimes the call runs a little longer, because I let them talk. Most of the people we call live alone. I will not cut them off. Sometimes we are the only person they talk to all day."

Francisco spent a career in banking in Long Island, N.Y. She was widowed 16 years ago. Her family -- sons Raymond, Kenneth and Craig, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren -- remains in Long Island. "They call me, and I call them. They want me to come there to live, but they all work. I would miss my volunteer work here. After a while, the people you call become like family."

Francisco leads a busy life and enjoys dining with friends. Twice a year she does extensive house cleaning, moving furniture around and "just cleaning everything."

She also volunteers for the Share program during registration at Hudson United Methodist Church. She was in on the inception of the Share program nine years ago at the church.

"At first a lot of people would not participate because they thought it was a charity. But it is a way to get people to volunteer two hours of community service a month. I think it is a good idea."

Francisco said she gives her volunteer hours to a bank for those who are unable to volunteer.

"Be busy," she advises. "Get out and just do things. If you sit home all the time, your outlook on life is different than if you are busy. You become old when you do nothing."

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