Seniors (Part 1)

If you’re anything like me, you may have jokingly used the phrase “I’m having a senior moment” to explain away lack of memory or some other confusing moments that may have just occurred. W-E-L-L? I have as good a sense of humour as the next guy (gal?) – at least I’ld like to think so – but let me turn serious for this one.

I am surrounded by seniors, and have had the privilege to witness people at different stages of their lives. One major thing I have noticed is that age is just a number. You cannot gauge a person’s age just by looking at them – either their physical appearance or their ability to do things. I have seen people in their 90’s walking merrily along without so much as a limp, let alone a cane or a walker. And I have seen people in their 70’s in electric wheelchairs or using a walker. I have also seen people in mid-life and in wheelchairs, but that’s another blog entirely.

The point of this write-up is to draw attention to the way we behave around – and toward – seniors. There is one common thread running through pretty much all the seniors I’ve come across – LONELINESS. You see, a lot of the people I speak with have had active lives but for one reason or another, they don’t anymore. The children are all grown up; the job is just a memory; the grandkids don’t come around that often; and/or their spouse has passed on to the next life. All of a sudden, they look around – and see emptiness. Where is everybody? Why won’t someone phone? What is the purpose?

Once again, I do know you don’t have to be a senior to experience the above, but let’s stay focused on the so-called “golden years” for now. Just think of the stories that people who are in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s have to tell! What an opportunity to learn! What adventures they could share! If only we take the time to listen – really listen. That’s all they want you to do – for someone to stop and just pay a little attention to them. It is said that we start as children; move into adolescence; then adult; and back to children again. Have you heard that? I don’t know if that’s true or not. I HAVE seen evidence of this. But sometimes you don’t need to be a child – or a senior – to act childish! (Again, another blog entirely.) If you have the patience to deal with a child, you have the patience to talk to a senior. Take the time to just sit and talk with a senior. That’s all that most of them really need – someone to listen. Just remember: you, too, are heading toward your “golden years”.

Until next time,
Inge