Age and Honor

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Committed to the cause of writing articles to enlighten

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

Discussed about the difficulties of women in slums and she was doing something to bring them from one level to another, nothing expecting in return.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

Relationships matter the most. Strive hard to keep the relationships

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

Yes, reading articles in the newspaper, learning something new at any stage of life. Keep updating yourself constantly.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My grandma, prays for us every day, no matter what.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

I worked at a social service agency that provided case management services to at-risk youth residing in group homes. It was there that I met Charles, an older coworker and an excellent social worker. We hit it off immediately and continued our friendship following his retirement. I learned that he kept up with the youth he case managed and became a mentor to several of them. He would write and visit them regularly at their foster homes. They're now all grown up and have families of their own. Charles still writes and visits them every chance he gets.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

When I first started working with the elderly, I was surprised to see how independent they were and how much they wanted to remain living at home, despite physical limitations. This surprised me as I thought they'd welcome the opportunity to move to a location where they'd be taken care of on a daily basis. It wasn't long before I realized that my assumption was wrong and that my main goal was to help them maintain their independence.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

I had just moved from New York to California and got a job working for the CA Parks Department. I met Murphy while there. He was 65, homeless and living in his car. He received a Social Security benefit of $265 per month and barely had enough money to make ends meet. He was my first friend in CA. I had a motorcycle at the time and took a picture of him proudly sitting on the bike. He was very religious and would often say that he would rather believe in God and later find out that God didn't exist than not to believe in God and find out that he did exist. Soon after he passed I became a social worker and worked with an older homeless population. A population just like Murphy. I often credit Murphy for that job and have had his photo on my desk for the past 25 years.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

I met Sidney while working at a local senior center. We quickly became friends and soon began meeting each other for dinner on a weekly basis. We did this without fail for 20 years before he passed of cancer. Sidney was a retired English professor and very well read. We discussed many issues during our dinners and I considered him a father figure, mentor, as well as a close friend.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My father was a cop and a very gentle and loving man. My parents were married for 50 years before he passed. Several years later my mother passed as well. There isn't a day when I don't think of both of them. I was very lucky to have such good parents who taught me the difference between right and wrong.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Ann, the 91 year old lady who I have taken care of the past 8 years has shown me that no matter the age, you can grow in maturity - both emotionally and spiritually - no matter how your body is doing.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

I had taken Ann to the hospital, when during her stay she got pneumonia and went in for surgery and she was had a Code Blue (when your life is gone by the Dr.'s perspective). Ann realized she was dying and at that moment prayed to the Lord that she wasn't ready and had things to do. She was revived.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

I just cherish the day by day interaction I have with Ann. She was with the Canadian Air Force in World War II and many of her stories about that time resonate with me.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

Ann has made a large impact on me in that we need to value those that society, in many cases, throw away, either emotionally or by their actions toward them. The elderly contribute a tremendous amount and are jewels.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Our neighbors in India are both 80 years old. They are very connected and have fascinating stories of "old" India. However I'm not so sure it's their memories or knowledge that has been so note worthy, though fascinating, it's more in the way they handle themselves that has been the education. I've learned through them that you can age with grace and confidence which they have managed so well, though they would not think so I'm sure. They are current, interested and interesting, and love to interact with those younger as well as their contemporaries. They struggle with health issues but it is never the topic of conversation. I have learned or at least seen through them the art of aging gracefully. Hopefully it's something I will be able to accomplish in my not so distant future.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

My mother is 93 and is very healthy, still living alone since my father passed away seven years ago. I always believed that once you hit a certain number you were apart of the "golden age", something to look forward to. This perspective has changed over the past decade. I have seen advanced aging through my mother's life and our many conversations. The lack of respect our country (USA) shows the elderly is unbelievable. People are not interested in talking to her, they usually talk for her instead of with her. She is ignored or laughed at either because of the slowness of her pace, or lack of hearing. People are not interested in her stories and don't consider her thoughts or beliefs worthy of interest much less consideration. It is so sad for her because she recognizes it all. She is not imagining it, I have witnessed it all with her. There is no honor or respect with aging in America. She so desires to be validated as a person but it never comes. She is old and people do not value age.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

When my children were young we lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 8 years. Our next door neighbor was "Mr. Wilson"...his real name. He was from Estonia and had a thick accent so most could not understand him. Besides his daughter he had no real friendships. Through those 8 years Mr Wilson and I became very close, I became like a second daughter to him. I was doing something for him all of the time. But he also did alot for us. He built furniture for my daughter's room, worked in our garden, etc. He called me his best friend. He was a funny man, very strong willed and had only one way of doing things, his way. But he was lovely to me and my family. We went to breakfast with him every Saturday morning ...early! It was a wonderful relationship and he was a big part of our lives. However when we moved back east he resented my husband because he was taking me, his best friend, away from him. He lived only a short while after our move...he was 86 when we met and 94 when he died. What a character and what a gift he was to me. His daughter and I are still friendly.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

My mother...because she is a Christian, she is strong, determined, independent, concerned, loving, thoughtful, accepting, straight forward, and can be very difficult. She is a handful but she has never wavered or changed for as long as I've known her...she is true to herself and to her faith.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My father. He was loved by all!! He died at 88 and until his death he was as loving and tender as any man I've ever known. He loved kids so growing up we'd be with him all of the time. It helped that he had his own business. He also loved people and knew everyone, liked everyone, and remembered everyone. He always had tag alongs, kids that would get to know him, maybe work for him and then forever were apart of his life. At the end he lived for 4 days in the hospital on a ventilator...by his bedside for 24 hours a day were several men that had learned to consider my dad as theirs. They cried with us, laughed with us, told stories about daddy, etc. I just thought that was such a testament to the type of person he was. He cared nothing of looks, color, station in life, it was only the heart that he saw.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

I interact with seniors every day as part of my job. On the recent occasion of someone's 80th birthday, I asked her if she was finally starting to feel old. "Rather, she said, and every step of the way I have both felt and acted my age." I thought that was very wise in terms of not trying to define oneself in illogical ways

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

One of our employees is 82. He came to my office and asked me to increase his responsibility. I politely asked him if he was sure he had the energy to take on more work. His answer" If Ariel Sharon could be Prime Minister of Israel at age 78, I an do a little more work at 80." Getting old isn't about slowing down, it's about using your wisdom.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

I recently lost my Uncle Lou at age 94. He was a man of good humor to the end. In his last couple of days alive, he met a great great niece who was a newborn. He tenderly fed her. It was beautiful to see the old and the very young interact.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

I attended a church women's retreat several years ago. As an ice-breaker, the leader handed out 3x5 cards and asked us to write down something we were afraid of. Then she randomly called on people to read what was on their card. She called on an 80+ woman who said her card was blank because she had learned over the years to trust God and not be afraid. A couple of other elderly women present stood up and said "my card is blank too for the same reason..I'm not afraid of anything." That made a big impression on me.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My father lived to 89, my grandfather to 101 and my Uncle to 94. Every single one of them was telling jokes on their deathbed. What a great family tradition!

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

When I was on staff of a church in Arizona I learned a lesson in gratitude from a widow and a couple, both in their 80's. The couple was filled with fear and bitterness over their modest means. I could only listen and always walked away from a visit with sadness. In contrast, this dear widow, who also lived very modestly and suffered medical challenges, exuded thankfulness for all things and an unquenchable love for Jesus. Every visit was a blessing to me and a challenge to guard a spirit of thanksgiving.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

I spent time with a 80+ husband whose wife was slipping deeper and deeper into Alzheimer and it hit me how important not only to have one's trust and faith go deep, but how important friendships are to walk alongside someone going through such a journey.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

Several months ago I was able to play some golf (short, 6 hole, par 3) with my 89 year old father who just a month before had been in the hospital and could barely walk on his own. He mentioned again and again it was the best day of his year, and here I thought it a small thing.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

He'd probably shoot me if I said he was elderly, but a retired pastor encouraged me in developing my writing skills. Not only was I impacted by his gracious spirit, but that he took an interest in me and my family.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My folks are 89 and still mentally sharp though they have their fair share of medical challenges. I'm convinced that their practice of volunteering in a wide variety of venues (animal shelter, hospital, community thrift store, food distribution) in their retirement years has kept them focused on service to others rather than service to themselves. And I treasure their ability to make friends with those they meet.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

I worked at a retirement home for a bit after I graduated from college, and had so many rich conversations with some of the residents. One woman in particular, Dorothy, is 95 years old and she and I have had many fun and life giving conversations. One in particular was when I sat with Dorothy and told her I had just started dating a great guy (my current boyfriend, Abe!). I asked her for marriage and love advice, and this is what she shared with me: the most important thing in a healthy marriage is that you respect the other. Coming from a woman who has lived for almost a century, this advice was so valuable!

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

Growing up, I would go Christmas Caroling with my family every year, and it really scarred me, to be honest. I was afraid of the smell of some of the facilities, and it made me uncomfortable to be around people who were older and oftentimes unresponsive. After working at the retirement home as an adult, I have a different perspective on spending time with the elderly. They have a lifetime of experiences to share, and even if their voice is difficult to understand, or their health is declining fast, a conversation with them is so worth while.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

I was a member of the choir at the retirement home I worked at, and that is where I met my friend, Dorothy. I would follow the sheet music with my finger so she could read it and keep up. She was so grateful, and for a while wouldn't recognize me by my face, but rather my hands! I really cherish those memories, singing with Dorothy in choir rehearsal.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

There isn't an elderly person that has made a "large" impact on my life, because I haven't spent too much time investing in a relationship with an elderly person. Yes, I have had good conversations with elderly people, but none that totally changed my life.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My late grandfather, Papa, and I would go on walks through his 40 acre property in Kentucky, called "The River Dog Horse Ranch". We would eat black licorice jelly beans and sit on a fallen tree trunk while talking about life. I treasure those memories with him.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

My Grandmother moved into our home when she was 84 and unable to physically care for herself. Though it seems that my family and I were taking care of her, the challenges that we faced in this endeavor taught us more about ourselves and how to love her and others in a different way than we could ever have imagined.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

Because I was my 86 year old grandmother's caregiver, I was the person who would take her to her doctor's appointments. One day she was going for a follow up but did not have any major problems. She was on little medication and for her age was doing rather well. When the doctor greeted her and ushered her to a chair in front of his desk, he asked her how she was and she said, "Oh Doctor. It is horrible to get old." Now this was a casual answer, one that I was used to hearing and to my mind and view of her life to that point, it was pretty understandable why she might say it. She had been through a lot in her medical history. I didn't really think it was an unreasonable comment. But the kind doctor bent down and looked at her straight in the eye, at her level in the chair. The words he spoke will stay with me the rest of my life. He firmly, yet kindly said, "Neclo, I do not want to EVER hear you say that again. I have SO MANY patients who would love the chance to grow old but will never have that chance. They are experiencing 'horrible'. You are not. You are doing so much better than then most of the people your own age even. ~ Well, That hit us both like a ton of bricks. I don't remember ever hearing her answer that question in quite the same way after that and I am careful to try not to complain about my own circumstances and to count my blessing instead of my complaints.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

My grandmother lived with us for 8 1/2 years before she passed away. Her passing was the most difficult and yet sweet thing to experience. Because she knew the Lord, we were confident that her passing would be just a step into a new and wonderful life free of pain and in the presence of Jesus. So being able to be there, to pray with her when I knew she was just breathing her last breaths was such a privilege. To hold her hand and love on her, speak softly to her, Read Gods Word to her, knowing that I was there when she took her last breath and when she was just felling asleep here on this earth and in the next moment open her eyes and be with Jesus was nothing short of Precious!

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

My grandfather, my mothers father was the perfect grandfather. When I was a kid, He made me feel like in his eyes, I could do no wrong and could do nothing at all that would make him love me any less. I only remember him disciplining me once. I was absolutely flabbergasted at the time that he would be angry with me but it didn't take long to see that my actions could have put me in danger and he was very scared for me and only wanted to protect me and make sure that I never made that decision again. His discipline made me feel loved. His love was genuine and protective, it was fun and silly too. He was born in 1890 and by the time i was born in 1959 he was already an old man who had lived a whole lot of life, been through hell as an American in an internment camp in the Philippines during WWII and just wasn't worried too much about petty things. He enjoyed spending time with me and would sit me on his lap and sing songs and tell me stories that he had learned when he was a child. We found joy in simple things like a dandelion revealing that I liked butter when it is placed under my nose turning it a yellow hue when the sunlight hit the flower just so. LOL. I learned that it was time spent and loving simple things that were what was important. Not how much $ was given. We didn't have much money for sure. But we had lots of love.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

Many memories! One memory that stands out is that every year after my grandfather died, It somehow became my job... No, my responsibility… No, my duty.. No, my opportunity to show my respect to… No.. it was my privilege to take my grandmother, his widow, to the cemetery on Memorial Day. Being a Christian, We knew he was not there, but somehow it was a tradition to take the time to not only remember our memories of him but to make a point NOT TO FORGET to remember. I think that is why God had the Isrealites make memorials and traditions. To get in the habit of remembering. So not only did we spend time talking about our memories of him but I also realized that she was prepping me for when she herself would some day pass. She was making this a habit for me every year. She was finding comfort that when she passed I would have a habit to also take the time to remember not only him but also her. Without saying it, I knew what she was thinking and that it was comforting for her to know that. Well, as it turns out, I moved away. A whole country's length away from that cemetery. My heart is heavy that I can't visit it every Memorial Day but even though I can't, I know that it wasn't really the cemetery that was important.. it was the memories. I still have those. I still hold them close to my heart. I will never forget.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Yesterday. Walt 70's crippled by Polio when he was 11 years old. Drove me all around his county introducing me to everybody he knew or had not yet met. I am running for a political office and he wanted everyone to meet me. The valuable lesson learned is attitude is almost everything, do not judge by first appearances, and I have no excuse to be tired. Walt drug his very bad leg up and down every driveway and parking lot, fed cattle and chickens walked all over the ranch always smiling and looking for more to do to help others.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

working at my grandfathers hardware store

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

my grand father. He loved!

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Having a difficult time thinking of something specific. This may be hard to do when thinking about learning something valuable from people of any age. Thinking of specific things that we've learned from people would be well worth it. I guess we don't think this way normally.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

Recently, talking with an 87 year old woman, she talked how the Washington, DC area is full of people with graduate degrees, some with more than one graduate degree. I remarked how it's tough for me to keep up with all those intelligent people and she responded by saying she had stopped trying to keep up years ago. It's better to just focus on what you're good at and do that. A fine thought that helped change my perspective.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

Playing baseball on Sunday evenings with my grandfather.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

Doubtless my grandparents had an impact on my life. I can't enumerate all the ways but I know I wouldn't be the same without them.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

When I was struggling friends issue, Lessley taught me how I was lucky and truly happy I was. True friends should help you not harm you.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

I just appreciate her experience and wisdom.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

My Aunt used to lived next my house, we spent time almost every day, my mother worked and I remembered most of time I spent with Aunt maybe becuse she was my friend, nanny and guidance. She always listens my story and positively react. She is sweetest person ever I know.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

My Aunt always read the Bible, always encourage me and support me in every way.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My aunt, who passed away when I was early 20, she always cook nice food and listen my story, I loved her story which I feel always warm feeling heart.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

My grandfather taught me to drive a manual transmission car. I remember lots of failure and him being very patient.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

At 24, I was getting ready to make my first investment - in a condo. I was still in school, and working to pay the bills. At the time, the prevailing wisdom was "get in now or you may never own a home". Interest rates were 18% for a simple mortgage. Out of the blue, my grandfather called me up and said, I think it would be a mistake to invest at this time - you might end up having to pay your mortgage instead of your tuition. I took his advice... and less than two years later, real estate prices started to fall. I grateful, to this day, that I didn't get saddled with a mortgage until after I finished school.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Many of my clients are elderly. One in particular shared how she makes every room look special. Her house is a designer's dream and I often refer back to that memory.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

One time i got to eat lunch with an elderly person and it made me realize that many older people don't see themselves as 'old'.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

With my great aunt who lived to be 105. . .we would often garden together, her sitting in a chair telling me exactly where to place plants.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

My lawyer didn't retire until his health precluded driving and walking to his office. He taught me quite a few things about organization and finding lost objects.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

My Mom is elderly and she gets such a kick watching the lizards in her yard. She is sure that they know her and come out to greet her in the morning.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

My home group leader in 1999 encouraged me when we were about to move to a new country, saying "You have to step out in faith, not in fear."

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

I got to know my friend's dad who took up scuba diving in his 70's and made me decide to try it out as well - if he can do it, so can I.

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

I cherish their stories and memories, esp. of life during the war, life growing up in hardship, and how they survived and then thrived.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

I met this 80+ year old woman who traveled around the world as an independent missionary. She certainly made an impression on me to continue spreading the Gospel, regardless of one's age and no matter how long it takes.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

I treasure the times I spent (sleeping over) at grandparents' homes or uncles & aunts' homes. Gave me the opportunity to interact with and get to know my cousins and also with the senior relatives.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

When we lived out in the country with very few neighbors, our sweet next door neighbor loved us and cared for me especially when I had my first baby. she was an example of a true servant.

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

In a new neighborhood with 4 young children, my sweet neighbor just loved my children. She enjoyed them and that helped me enjoy them too!

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

Being with my mom who has Alzheimer's this past weekend and making her smile. Seeing her eyes light up and respond to me.

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

The elderly people in my life have shown me what it is to put others first and to be present in someone's life, ready to help at any time.

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

A Grandmother that visited us and always had treats and gifts in her huge suitcase for us. And we had a certain dice game we played only when she was around. (Can't remember it too well) We would play that game with "Lawrence Welk Show" playing on the TV :) Nice memory.

Q: Write down a memory you have of a time when you interacted with someone who is elderly in which you learned something valuable.

Whenever I called my grandmother - I'd say "it's only me" my grandmother would say "it's never only you" Lesson in self worth!!

Q: Tell about an instance when you spent time with an elderly person and the interaction changed your perspective.

I think talking to some elderly Indians who don't hold so tightly onto life as we do - one said to me when pondering the difference between the east and the west said - "you Christians - heaven is this wonderful place that no one wants to go to - you Will undergo multiple surgeries and survive with tubes sticking in every orrifice - take all pains and indignation to avoid meeting your God - we are not that" Interesting!!

Q: What is a memory you cherish of a time when you spent time with someone elderly?

Love stories of bygone ages and to see how tie problems and issues don't really change! So drinking tea with anyone older telling stories is a joy

Q: Is there an elderly person that you have known that has made a large impact on your life and why did they have an impression?

I met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar when I was in India (Google him) and he was such fun - to b so famous, so esteemed and yet so humble, sincere and such fun was a real lesson in how one can become famous without loosing ones integrity

Q: Do you have any memories of elderly parents, grandparents, or relatives that you treasure and wish to share?

Too many!!