Conversation with Barbara Koetsier

Turning coping into helping, Seaplace resident Barbara Koetsier was drawn to the Aging in Paradise Resource Center’s Shifting Sands support group after the death of her husband in 2011. She fell in love with the center and got involved. In February, she began her three-year term as co-chairperson.

How did you become involved with Aging in Paradise?

I was living here on Longboat Key, and my husband died rather suddenly. My friend suggested Shifting Sands support group, and one thing led to another. I met such wonderful people and made a lot of friendships. That was when I got involved with the Longboat Island Chapel and more programs at Aging in Paradise.

What are your duties as Aging in Paradise co-chairperson?

I keep everyone informed and provide support to our executive director, Donna Dunio, in every way, shape and form. I’m treasurer of the Chapel on the board of trustees, so I also help with all the financial aspects. I was a corporate accountant in Wayne, N.J. before moving here in 2008, so I like to help with that.

What is your favorite part of Aging in Paradise?

The people you meet are the most interesting people. There are so many people who have had this fascinating life before Longboat Key. You hear fabulous stories. The people here are amazing. It’s very social. That to me is the fun part of it. While you’re socializing, you’re also learning things to improve your life. You can meet some new friends and better your quality of life.

Why is the resource center so important?

There are so many people on Longboat Key who moved here from somewhere else and are lonely. Their old network of friends doesn’t exist here. They come here to meet new friends and also learn new ways to enhance their lives and live longer and healthier. It helps them not feel so isolated. We also offer lifesaving information to people. We had a heart health screening, and two people learned things they needed to address. It makes you feel good knowing you could help save someone’s life.

What has been your most memorable experience at Aging in Paradise?

We offer a memoir-writing class that I attended. I assisted two people with publishing their books. I edited one person’s book on poetry and a book someone wrote who did two back-and-forth crossings of the Atlantic Ocean on sailboats. Once, they got stuck in a hurricane. Being able to hear their stories and participate in getting them published is fun.

What part of Aging in Paradise are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the way we make a difference in people’s lives and can show them how to live better. We’re giving them tools to live longer. It’s very, very humbling.

What is your favorite Aging in Paradise program?

Bringing the Sarasota of Lifetime Learning lectures here last year has been our most popular event we’ve ever had. I loved those. They were so challenging and inspiring and interesting. Each one was better than the other. It was great we could offer it here because it’s so much easier to get here instead of all the way to downtown Sarasota. It’s so comfortable, relaxed and easy. We’re also getting an Aging Mastery program. It will be a lot of work, but it will be rewarding. It will offer 10 different sessions on healthy living. We’re thrilled about the excitement that will bring.

Is there anything you want to add to Aging in Paradise?

I really wanted movies. It was something I was very keen on getting, and we did. Now we have Matinee Movies on the Key, complete with a popcorn machine. I’m always trying to keep an open mind on fun things. Another idea is maybe to have a gathering spot. People can stop in, meet their friends, drink coffee and chat.

When you’re not serving Aging in Paradise, what do you enjoy to do?

I have two grandsons in Oregon who are 14 and 11. I like to go on vacation with them. I stay pretty involved with my family. I also like to play golf. That’s my other love.