How does one age, whether in America or somewhere else? Do we survive or thrive? Recently, I watched a show on PBS, yes, that PBS, entitled “Aging in America: Survive or Thrive.”
Since I have been blessed with these many years, surviving or thriving takes on a much deeper meaning. What exactly is surviving or thriving as we age? The show looks at this subject from many points of view. The show takes us on a journey that was sometimes planned, but most of the time it was not. It talks about the natural breakdown of our minds and bodies. We can all attest to slowing down as we age. Even if we have been diligent about exercising and eating healthy, life happens, and how we handle it is the question.
My grandmother was, as she calls it, still working in her 80s. A lady she had worked for when they were both younger would send a cab to bring her to her house. My grandmother would fix lunch, and they would eat lunch, sit and watch their stories. It was great company for both of them, and my grandmother was making her own money, which was important to her. By this time, my grandfather had passed on, so she was alone in her home. She still made it to church every Sunday. When she could no longer live alone after developing Alzheimer’s, we selected a facility close to the church in the hope that some of the members would stop by, and they did. She was still a member of the community.
My uncle, who was on my mother’s side, moved into a vibrant assisted living facility with his apartment with a small kitchen, den, bedroom, and bath. There was someone to make sure he took his medications. The facility had a full-service cafeteria and barber/beauty; they took day trips, shopping trips, and even enrichment classes. They were still able to be independent and had assistance if needed.
“Aging in America: Survive or Thrive” will make you think about others and yourself. Click below to see a preview of the show. If you have PBS, take a look at the entire show. We want to thrive because “thisisyourbestyear.”
https://www.pbs.org/show/aging-in-america-survive-or-thrive/