Today, I visited a nearby assisted living community. One of the first things I was asked to do was to create a list of the following:
1) a spouse or significant other
2) sons and daughters, nieces and nephews
3) best friend
4) favorite physical feature about myself
5) preferred time to wake up on a day off
Now you try it!
Next, using the fast-forward button on your imagination, picture what your life will be like in your mid-80s – the average resident's age at this particular community. Statistics show that these may be your realities:
1) You may outlive your spouse or significant other
2) The children may become middle-aged parents and grandparents with their own set of obligations and/or health issues
3) Your best friend may be ill, deceased, or far away
4) Every part of your body will change in appearance
5) Someone else may decide what time you must sleep and wake
How does this news make you feel?
Equipped with a humbling sense of humanity and empathy provided by this exercise, how do we then help current senior adults cope with these incredibly real and painful losses: the loss of loved ones, of body image, of basic decision-making? How can the grip of loneliness be loosened? How can depression be resolved or avoided? How do we engage them in activities that will bring them joy and purpose, giving them a sense of control and autonomy?
The old saying about walking a mile in another man's moccasins seems appropriate after today's quiz; let's be good to each other. . . perhaps a little gentler, a little more patient, a little more understanding.
Be well.
