Experiences: Road map
Life is a collection of moments, memories, people and places that, when woven together, form a beautiful tapestry of personal existence. Often there are times when these moments may seem fleeting, but ultimately end up having a profound impact on how a life is lived and informs actions and behaviours of the future.
For seniors, this rich history is full of experiences that have informed actions that are perhaps even more relevant today.
With the entire world coming to grips with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain societal actions and behaviours taking place today that have been seen before. Rationing of food, extraordinary public safety measures, new methods of personal interaction — these are all things that certain generations are experiencing for the first time, but for many seniors, there are similarities today with the times of war or the Great Depression.
Josephine Wood, 90, remembers vividly when The Second World War was declared, and remembers how her life experience was fundamentally changed forever.
“In 1939, I was in my house and a young man walked down the middle of the road yelling, ‘War declared!,’ selling newspapers,” says Wood. “We got ration books, I would get five loaves of bread for a quarter and that would have to last.”
Wood believes there was a spirit of appreciation that was built during the war that is shared among others of her generation.
“The war made you appreciate everything you had, and everything you worked for you appreciated,” says Wood, who vividly remembers buying her first car after starting working for General Motors on the assembly line at the age of 46.
Though times could be sombre, Wood remembers finding joy in the simple things of life that helped her and others stay positive.
Wood also remembers the family garden that her father had at home, which helped provide for the family.
“My dad would come for his lunch, eat, then head out to the garden to work for a bit,” recalls Wood. “We had to get the vegetables and store them for the winter.”
If Wood has any message that she would share with people as they navigate through the current situation and the life associated with the pandemic, it would be one of kindness and one of exploration.
“Be friendly, be kind to your neighbour and see as much of the world as you can,” says Wood, whose first trip at the age of 16 down the coast to California really shaped the person she would become.
“You experience new ways of life, be present in the moments of your life and others. Don’t live in your own little cocoon, spread yourself and meet other people,” says Wood. “Leave yourself open to things.”
Poet, opera singer and Order of Canada recipient Allan Monk, 77, was too young to remember much about the war, but does recall rationing and the joy he and his siblings had at their home in British Columbia.
Though his family did not have much, Monk credits the love and joy that his parents shared as having a profound impact on the direction of his life.
“My parents taught me that you are who you are and that you’ve got what you’ve got,” says Monk. “Be happy and do the best you can,