Celebrating Seniors

All of our lives we mark milestones, from the time we turn one to Sweet 16, and the day we leave the nest. According to the world we know, we turn into a senior citizen at the age of 65. Why not celebrate this? These are people that have shaped our society.

The older I get, the more I realize how valuable they are and how much they still have to offer. They have lived through war, depression and pandemics, and even to this day they face much of the same. They did not have the modern conveniences we have, such as cell phones and the age of the internet, yet they not only lived, they thrived.

In the past 20 years I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside as well as take care of seniors and people of all ages. There’s something special about seniors, though. They’re always keen to share a hug whenever needed and they still know how to make me laugh everyday. Some of my favourite memories were shared over a cup of tea with my residents that I get to spend time with through my work. They ask so little of us, perhaps just to share a story of days passed, or a simple hug, or even just holding our hand in the midst of all the busyness that occupies our lives. I have learned how to bake the best apple pies, all kinds of home remedies, and even that sometimes just 5 minutes of my time can mend a broken heart. I take every opportunity I can to learn because they have so much to give and it often goes unheard.

I think about people like Yolanda. I would sit beside her on the bed and every time she would look at me and say,

“You have a beautiful smile – are those your own teeth?”

I would laugh every time and say,

“Yes, those are mine, and you have a beautiful smile, too!”

I still think about that memory and to this day it makes me smile even more.

I think about Sylvia and the time I sat with her on Mother’s Day. She was telling me that she was going to be 98 on August 26th, and I said,

“We’re going to eat cake together, or your favourite dessert!”

Sylvia’s not here anymore but I will still celebrate and eat cake for her.

I also think about my aunt who inspired this story and how she is in her seventies and still as much of a goal-getter as many twenty-year olds.

I’ve met police officers, truck drivers, teachers, nurses and pillars of our communities. One of my favourite memories was talking to a gentleman who was a police officer in a rough area of Toronto, and how he had saved a little boy from a burning building. He told me he had a great life and that he was satisfies with the life he had led. Now that’s something to celebrate; he is 98 today.

It is really amazing what you learn when you take the time. When you are young, you don’t think about it. However, the older we get and the more we learn and take the time to realize these people are so knowledgable, and we wish we would have listened to them sooner or had them longer.

In closing I think every day is a gift and should be celebrated daily, as some don’t get the chance to reach that incredible milestone. Be thankful while they’re here. Show them every day, not only for the month of June, how special they are and how they should be celebrated. And remember to celebrate that milestone when it’s your turn.