I remember sitting with you on one of the hottest August afternoons, staring up at the tree in the courtyard, feeling the subtle breeze stirring through the luscious tomato garden surrounding us, and feeling the hot sun linger on our skin. You told me, "It’s the little moments like these that I crave. No one ever does this for me."
You were wearing a winter sweater, telling me you were cold, though I was in a short tee and sweating in the heat of a hot, Michigan summer. You were smiling. We were enjoying the presence of one another side by side, me on a green garden bench with my legs crossed leaning back and looking up at the sky, you in your wheelchair, arms extended as if you were catching the sun rays yourself.
How have we become so busy in our lives that we forget to take a seat next to the wisest population surrounding us to learn from them, grow from them, and cherish their companionship before the time is too late? The time spent with you was nothing short of educational and fulfilling. I still remember the day as it was yesterday with you telling me how truly grateful you were for the times I often took working off the clock to engage in conversation with you during the summer months and honestly listen to every word and emotion you spoke and shared.
It's amazing for me to exist and sit next to someone who has been through so many decades, seen so much progress in the world, the ups and downs of our nation as whole, but yet their thoughts often go unheard as they sit stranded in a small New York sized apartment room...lonely in these assisted facilities during a pandemic.
And as you became discharged from my caseload, I also became guilty of arriving to your room to say hello less and less as I became overwhelmed with my daily routine and work needs. However, as time passed and I heard of your passing I want to share that I will always remember you and have learned so many important life lessons. In honour of you, I wanted to share an article to the world, whoever cares to read, of the top life lessons I learned from a 100+ year old:
Take the time. Before it is too late, take the time to pick up the phone or visit your loved ones. Despite the pandemic challenges over the past year, we have truly understood how special it is for those tender moments spent together via zoom, phone, or for porch visits.
Practice Mindfulness. When life is enjoyed in the moment, it is just better. People over 100 tend to live in the moment rather than worrying about plans, regrets, getting caught up in pressure and worry.
Do it even when you don’t feel well. There is going to be days when you wake up and do not feel well, but if you do it anyways, you'll reap the benefits of continuing to move and engage in social activities.
Happiness comes from what we do. The geriatric population does not sit around and reflect about all the things that they accumulated in their life. Rather, its more about the life experiences they shared. Science backs this up as well. We know people derive more happiness that is long-term from experiences such as vacations rather than from possessions.
Learn to adapt for a better and longer life. Life goes on regardless. People who live well into old age understand there is a hardship in life during certain stages, but they adapt and change with the times. It's part of having a positive attitude to be excited for a new chapter and new opportunities versus instead of fearing change or wallowing in the past.
Always keep learning! Be curious-it makes life more interesting and fun. It helps you stay engaged with life and the changing technology and times.
Stay active! Movement is medicine. The more you stay active physically and mentally, the better you will feel and maintain your health. Exercise as much as you can and eat in moderation. A sedentary lifestyle can quickly cause a decline in functional status.
Help others. Helping others is a way to build relationships and connections. Being kind and helping others gives you a sense of purpose, fights depression, and anxiety. It is also a great way to stay active and productive.
Be positive. Deciding life is good and viewing things from a rose-colored glasses perspective helps you to live longer and enjoy day to day! Life is an adventure, even through hard times.
Don’t regret your decisions and Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Instead, focus on what you can do in the future to make it right. Some problems cannot be solved alone.
