Yesterday, I visited my 90 year old grandmother in her old peoples home. Whilst we stay in touch via handwritten letters, I hadn’t seen her in person in 3 years. I was surprised how well she looked for her age and how she was able to be part of the conversation.
One reason for not visiting sooner was definitely COVID (which she contracted and overcame last year) and the resulting travel bans in 2020 and 2021. Another reason is that part of me was worried that I would react badly to seeing her in this setting or not being able to have a conversation with her. And what would I do then? Just sit there in silence and stare at her? After all, I only know her as a strong, independent and caring woman who always looked out for me.
The visit was lovely and we had a nice chat where I talked about my most recent activities, what I’m planning for the next few weeks and also some old memories. For example, my grandmother and I had been writing to each other consistently over the last 25 years. I recently scanned all letters and was surprised how many there were. She talked a little less and it was clear that after an hour, she was a little tired.
When leaving the home, I wondered whether I would ever end up in a similar place and how I would feel living there. Would there be anyone visiting me? Or would it be more like the movie “Grandpa’s Great Escape” where a senior is trying to break out of an people’s home? For me, it’s too early to tell.
What about you? How would you like to be treated when you are old?
Really, take a moment and think of the oldest person you have know or interacted with – have ever seen. What went through your head? How did you speak with them? What about?
Now put yourself into their shoes and imagine how life will be like.
I imagine myself being active into old age doing what I do now. That means I have to prepare for it. One way to prepare is to keep (or get) fit and strong, another is to cultivate social contacts, friends and keep in touch with people I’d like around me in old age. I’ll also need to keep learning new things to exercise the mind since I want both body and mind to be functioning as well as can be expected.
Most importantly though, I’ll keep visiting my gran. I do this to be a role model to my nieces, nephews and cousins who are a lot younger and may get inspired. I mainly do it though to keep her company, since this is how I’d like to be treated were I in her position.