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by Rona S. Bartelstone, LCSW, BCD, CMC, C-ASWCM
Older adults add value to our lives in many ways. Most people think of value in monetary terms, but while older adults contribute tremendously to the
economy, we prefer to focus on the lifetime of experience and wisdom we get from our elders.
One way in which we are helping a younger generation benefit from the knowledge and experience of our elders is the "From Generation to Generation"
project. Through this project, we are attempting to help our clients to express their legacy in their own words to community youth.
Here is a sample of what we learned when we asked some of our clients and friends to share their wisdom:
- One of my favorite people was fond of saying that "we are all unique, just like everyone else.
- My father used to tell us how important the dash on a gravestone is because it represents everything that happened during that person’s life.
- One of our clients tells us that we are "only as rich as our life experiences." So, we need to savor every moment and every person.
- A smile, the cheapest commodity in the world will also get you the most in life, according to the mother of one of our elder clients, who has lived
her life according to this belief.
- Another member of this same family told us that "becoming known as a caring person is the way to the greatest success."
- Some of our clients share their sense of humor with us. During an assessment, an older woman was asked how her sense of taste is, and after a moment
of thought stated, "It’s good. When I taste something I don’t like I don’t eat it!"
- One client told us that even during hard times, it is important to remember that we are still more fortunate than many other people.
- And finally, a woman who has suffered many losses and trials in her life reports that life is precious enough that each day brings a new opportunity
for joy, even in the face of sorrow.
It seems to us that these are lessons to live by. So take time during Older Americans Month to really hear the story of an elder. You may learn something that will benefit you for the rest of your life. |
About SeniorBridge
Why put the care of your loved ones with SeniorBridge?
Our company’s unique approach addresses the total well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive program that includes assessment, planning, service coordination, advocacy, and direct care by an interdisciplinary team led by a geriatric care manager.
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