What is it like to grow old, that is just what you will have to experience yourself. But for now, let's walk through the journey through the life of a senior adult. Following are 5 questions that are self-explorational and may lead to an epiphany.
do you often go for grocery shopping?
do you celebrate every little/big occasion with your loved ones?
do you utilize the abundance of internet and technology everyday?
do you enjoy practicing your hobbies/interests?
do you capitalize the opportunity of freedom and zeal for life?
Even if your answer to one of the questions was a yes, now imagine how a senior adult with less physical capacity, energy, resources, and care would conduct their life according to these questions. A senior adult who is independent but inefficient to go for grocery shopping alone is similarly helpless as a young adult with no money going for grocery shopping. We celebrate and get along with our friends and family, but most of these seniors have no one but themselves to look forward to an occasion. We the young adults are able to enjoy the abundance of internet and technology and its various benefits on a daily basis, for every little thing we do. However, most of the seniors are unaware and uninformed about the certain technologies are internet usages to maximize benefit. I am sure, you can imagine a day without your smartphone right? Lastly, despite our daily struggles as a young adult, we thrive for a successful future with a motivation and energy. A senior adult, with approaching a significant downfall in their life, lack that zeal for life.
Silver Threads Services for Seniors conducts a "Connecting through Story" event every month and brings light into the lives of senior adults and their struggles.
We all know the solutions to these issues, we all are afraid we will one day be a part of it, but till then we ignore it and focus on striving for a future to grow old and retire peacefully. But, are we doing something constructive today to make sure that in our old age we will have the opportunity to live the life we planned 20-30 years ago? I believe it's a start, at recognizing that the future that we are struggling for everyday is unseen and we can construct a strong foundation of support today for our future. Organizations like Senior Services Society of BC and Silver Threads Service for Seniors are contributing to support the Senior adults in every aspect of life (physically, mentally and emotionally). Their programs and services have commendably supported many seniors through their struggling journey of aging and granted them the zeal for life.
Be a part of this inspiring initiative of Douglas College Envision Financial Community Building Program and create a successful future for you and us.
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