Wisdom from a long life

I work as an Occupational Therapist in a Nursing Home. I am approaching my 1 year anniversary of working for my company, Pro Rehab, as well as the end of my first year as an OT! It has been a challenging, rich year full of learning. Naturally I have gained clinical skills, making me better at evaluating patients, treating musculoskeletal conditions, working with wheelchairs, etc. But the most valuable things I have learned have been the lessons from my patients.

Most of the patients I work with are in their 80's or 90's. I like to chat with them about their lives and experiences. My favorite is to ask for general life advice. "What have you learned in your 98 years that you would like to share with me?" 

Life advice from a 98 year old: Just be kind.

On marriage: Be sure to listen. Hear what they are saying, say your piece, and then move on.

On marriage: Just keep loving each other

old hands

Even if they don't give me a specific piece of advice, just getting to know them is an education in and of itself. When I think of how much the world has changed in their lifetime, and what all they have done, it's astounding. Many of them have raised families, worked for decades, retired, moved, grieved over losing loved ones (the hardest is elderly parents who have lost children), and been blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

When I see them in a short-term rehab setting, it is usually because they are facing a change in their health, and need assistance to recover. It may be from an illness, a fall, or a surgery. I am honored to be able to be part of their journey. Many times it is towards wellness, and they are able to return to their prior living situation. Sometimes difficult choices have to be made, such as the decision to move from their home to an assisted living facility.

Now, you must go and read this article: Oldest Living Couple on Earth Gives Great Relationship Advice. They have been married 85 years. She was 101, and he was 104 at the time the article was written.

Isn't that the sweetest picture? And to know the history behind it. 85 years of life together, loving one another, sharing hopes, dreams, and day-to-day realities. 

Please take a little time to connect with an elderly person in your life - it can be a grandparent, neighbor, or an old man that you see in the grocery store with his walker. If you really want to be blessed, volunteer at a nursing home. Just sit and listen to the stories of people who know about life from living it. They still have so much to offer, and we can learn more than we realize.