Our loved ones are almost always dearest to our hearts. We spend time with them at family events, at the movies, on the couch, and more. However, I’ve been guilty of not being as willing as I was when I was ten to go out with my Grandfather. There is no doubt that spending times with friends, or simply in bed watching a show on Netflix seems more appealing than going to a park. On the other hand, having a balanced routine would train younger generations to get accustom to the schedule of taking care of an elder.
A few days ago I came across a short ten minute film that depicted the life of a ninety-eight year old women, named Mary who went to and from her local senior center to keep herself occupied. The video had been entitled, “They Put Cameras in Old Lady’s House and Caught her Doing THIS All Alone”. Throughout the entire video I was waiting for her to reveal a shocking talent. The same idea of Mary having a secret gift propelled me to finish the video in its entirety … and when I did I was completely shocked, and not only because there was no secret talent. This gentle, elderly lady had to spend each weekend alone. With just that alone you might say “Okay, it is a reality many elders have to face”. Once she revealed how she kept herself occupied at home, it made me want to never leave any elder of mine alone once.
Mary would take all of her junk mail, sit on her couch and rip each letter up to shreds and throw it in the garbage. She told one of the film crew members that she tore the mail up because she could not do anything, revealing that being occupied with something. Though her story was a sorrowful one, for Mary tearing that mail was a way of survival. Both during and after I wanted to create this extravagant plan of what my Grandpa and I will be doing everyday when he gets less independent. There are always films, books, and other sources of entertainment that must be watched and this one was definitely a must see. If you scroll up and click play you can watch the video yourself. The independent part comes from being willing to go see the free play down at the library with your Grandparents, even though you received a notification for the new season of your favorite show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmARFs-w84c&t=290s
