The challenges of growing old in the 21st Century

Recently, when I was visiting a local "assisted living" facility I overheard a resident share with an aide, "I get so lonesome; I crave someone to come and visit me."

Recently, when I was visiting a local “assisted living” facility I overheard a resident share with an aide, “I get so lonesome; I crave someone to come and visit me.”

Moving into such a facility can be a very difficult transition.  Perhaps it is one of the most difficult experiences a person will ever have.  You may feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under you.  Feelings of despair, anger or hopelessness are almost expected when we experience so much loss. Withdrawing from people is a coping method that many choose; but there is a better approach.  We need relationships, and we need a friend.

I believe that we were created with the need to be loved and to love.  That’s right.  Love is absolutely necessary for a person to thrive; to really live a fulfilled life.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

For many years of my life, when I was consumed with “me”, I didn’t realize this need.  I knew that I felt empty and that there had to be more to life than what I was experiencing, but it wasn’t until I came to understand and embrace my need to follow the Golden Rule: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you”, that I discovered a better way of living.

With all the changes and challenges a person will face when moving into a “care facility”, it’s easy to find yourself staying off to the side, uncomfortable, waiting for someone to make you feel welcome and accepted.  What you need and desire is exactly what everyone else wants as well.

The problem is, we are often waiting for others to make the first move.

However, when we are willing to take the first step toward kindness, toward caring, toward giving someone what is needed, we may become the answer to one of the greatest needs of your neighbor: a caring friend.

Friendship begins as one gives, and grows as the other receives with gratitude.

Some of the happiest people I know are also the most loving and caring people I know.  They sincerely want to bless others. They have friends, not because they are happy, for they, too, have troubles; rather, they are happy because they care for people, and so, people like them.

Even though you may be struggling with various challenges, when you have the ability to reach out to someone, start a conversation, smile, or make them comfortable, don’t hesitate.  The friendships you build will be a blessing to many, including yourself.

(It also works with the staff of the care facility!)