People sometimes look at me oddly when I tell them I started a practice during the pandemic. Two close colleagues from Mayo are retiring from a major medical center this month(June 2023). Why am I not doing likewise?
One reason is that I love to work and find my care of fragile babies and cancer survivors fulfilling. Another is that my work puts me in contact with people of all ages, including some young enough to be my grandchildren.
I’ve learned how to post on social media appropriately. Perhaps younger folks have come to value a “view from 30000 feet” as they sort through options that may be unsettling or painful.
My neighbor has a 3 year old. He guffawed with laughter when I returned a green squishy softball he had gently batted into the street. Another neighbor has an 18 month old who is discovering mailboxes. Both sets of parents seem to welcome engagement.
This may not be possible indefinitely. At our age we live for today. Tomorrow is not promised. Drawing from the energy of younger people is keeping me up for the wonderful phenomenon called, “now”.
There’s a research project in Australia where they bring together older people and kindergarteners for a number of weeks. They made it into a tv series and is so delightful and heartwarming. Friends for life were made. I imagine great research outcomes as well.
Well I just spent 3 days hiking in the Smokey mountains with an 82 year old who did circles around her younger companions.
Recently I spoke to a couple of late octogenarians who are determined to remain in their home. They decided to install a railing on both sides of their staircases. They want to stay there because they often entertain.
And my 97 year old mother in law had friends of all ages until the day she died. There are many role models-Helen included- to inspire us.
You've put your typing fingers on a tough one this time. I, for one, would like to see you write a dozen more times on this troubling topic, just sayin' . . . .
People sometimes look at me oddly when I tell them I started a practice during the pandemic. Two close colleagues from Mayo are retiring from a major medical center this month(June 2023). Why am I not doing likewise?
One reason is that I love to work and find my care of fragile babies and cancer survivors fulfilling. Another is that my work puts me in contact with people of all ages, including some young enough to be my grandchildren.
I’ve learned how to post on social media appropriately. Perhaps younger folks have come to value a “view from 30000 feet” as they sort through options that may be unsettling or painful.
My neighbor has a 3 year old. He guffawed with laughter when I returned a green squishy softball he had gently batted into the street. Another neighbor has an 18 month old who is discovering mailboxes. Both sets of parents seem to welcome engagement.
This may not be possible indefinitely. At our age we live for today. Tomorrow is not promised. Drawing from the energy of younger people is keeping me up for the wonderful phenomenon called, “now”.
There’s a research project in Australia where they bring together older people and kindergarteners for a number of weeks. They made it into a tv series and is so delightful and heartwarming. Friends for life were made. I imagine great research outcomes as well.
I agree with your mother-in-law.
Well I just spent 3 days hiking in the Smokey mountains with an 82 year old who did circles around her younger companions.
Recently I spoke to a couple of late octogenarians who are determined to remain in their home. They decided to install a railing on both sides of their staircases. They want to stay there because they often entertain.
And my 97 year old mother in law had friends of all ages until the day she died. There are many role models-Helen included- to inspire us.
Helen is a magnificent role model. Long may she engage!
Such an important issue. I lived in Century Village before I moved to an all ages community. Felt like I got out of jail when I left.
You've put your typing fingers on a tough one this time. I, for one, would like to see you write a dozen more times on this troubling topic, just sayin' . . . .
Late stage Helenism is a hoot. She sounds like a terrific model.