Unsung Heroes - A Tribute to Seniors and Elders

by: Barbara Penn Atkins

February 14th is the day we celebrate love in a special way and give tribute to the heart – whether it is awareness of the ‘heart’ as the organ that keeps our bodily motor running or the core that represents ‘love’. It is a time when we give special attention and gifts to those we love, cherish and value as friends and family. There’s one segment of people I’d like to share a story about who deserves continuous love and acknowledgement throughout the year…. they are the unsung heroes of the heart who are residents in our senior nursing homes. Residents in these facilities are sometimes looked upon as advanced third age seniors or with elders with disabilities. This assumption is not always necessarily true.

Following a recent reconstructive knee surgery, I was sent to a rehabilitation center for continuing care that was located within the premise of a senior nursing home. I had an urgent need to spend extended time in a facility that would provide additional healthcare and physical therapy. My views of a senior center were about to change which later would provide me with a unique healing experience – it was from the incredible stories about life, past careers, loves, and family. I learned that communications and building community is another form of healing.

As a Retirement Transition Life Coach I am interested in the new age mature generation including boomers, seniors and elders-- their views on retirement, aging and quality of life for living life livelier, on purpose with meaning, fulfillment and enjoyment. Lunch and dinner time were precious moments at the center as it gave me an opportunity to engage in conversation and learn more about what aging meant to them and their experiences of living through the decades of life.

To share a few stories and give tribute to a few unsung heroes in a senior nursing complex – read their personal stories.

 Nancy - Age 93. A wife and mom with a lifetime of loving homemaking, PTA, school activities, church and community involvement. Upon recovery she planned to return home to her husband of 74 years and travel. She proudly says ‘there is no greater career than that of a housewife and homemaker’.

 Bonnie – Age 83. Displayed vitality and high energy. She’s active and works part-time as an accountant. Married 45 years and a grandmother. She says she is waiting to complete her physical therapy to return to her favorite pastime –preparing taxes, camping and enjoying outdoor life with her great grandchildren.

 Martha – Age 100 is a woman who has aged gracefully. She was energetic, an avid reader and known as the Queen of the Scrabble game. I know, I challenged her and lost.

There were many others I met during my stay at this Rehabilitation Center whose stories were not so full of energy. I saw the impact of loneliness and the quest for someone to share conversations. This was a rich experience for me as I became a part of a community of new friends amongst a sea of silver tsunamis in a senior living facility. Their rich stories are a legend and a conversation with them was healing to my heart body and soul.

I hope as you read these stories you and others will--

□ Take time to visit a person at a senior facility – Little things mean a lot.

□ Find someone new each day to meet and share their stories. It helps your emotional healing.

□ Encourage someone - the most precious gift you can give is the gift of Love - Share it!!

During months to come, send love and smiles to everyone in your circle, especially to all who have been blessed to reach the age of 65 and beyond. Enjoy your bonus years ahead – the journey is priceless.

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