As I waited yesterday for a grannie client, realized that over 30 minutes went by without seeing a single face - except staff & companions - under seventy. Gave me pause. Realized anew the importance of getting older relatives & loved ones OUT into the bigger, broader world.
Today is Wednesday, which means taking a grannie client up to Centre Bridge Inn to hear the awesome Barbara Trent deliver her wondrous jazz stylings. When we walk in, folks at the bar - kids in their 60s & 70s - will turn & break out into greetings, happy as all get out at my g.f.'s arrival. They'll call her by name & ask how she is. At least one will come over to our table to give her a big hug. The bartender will bring over her favorite drink, without it being ordered, just as she likes it - house vodka, straight up, rocks on the side, no garnish. She will wordlessly commune with Barbara, the two of them having long ago formed a mutual admiration society.
Did I mention that my g.f. will turn 93 next month? That she's faced increasing memory problems for many years? Yes, she doesn't nip down the flight of steps to the tavern room like she did twenty years ago & is blessed that her friends take having to repeat themselves totally in stride. Her attitude, her zest for life, seems undiminished.
Would that be possible if she was more or less confined to her senior residence, as pleasant as it is? Is it probable she remains engaged, energized & empowered because of her free-range lifestyle, going out on rambles & even adventures, rather than staying confined to her apartment, the facility, or the very nice bus that takes groups to the mall & on outings?
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