I remember with nostalgia the day my classmates, and I visited a home for the elderly and spent the entire day there. The visit was my first and served as a valuable learning experience. At first, I was apprehensive because I did not know what to do or say to the elderly when meeting them for the first time. Our teacher had prepared as well and had instructed us to treat the seniors with the utmost respect and decency. Despite all the preparations, nothing compares to walking into the home, meeting the elderly, helping them to complete specific tasks, and getting to learn from them. As we crammed into the school bus and headed to the home of the elderly, the excitement was palpable.
The bus snaked its way down the alley and onto the main highway and headed north. The teacher had informed us of the need to assist each time we were requested and to take the initiative as we saw fit. “Remember helping the elderly always brings a good feeling,” she had said. I knew she was right but was still anxious because I had never been to such a home in the past. The large gate swung open, and we alighted. A quick glance around the residence revealed a meticulously kept compound that was the embodiment of serenity. Apparently, the home caretakers had informed the elderly residents of our impending visit because the moment we got into the home, each of them was excited and had numerous questions for us. The interaction lasted about half an hour, after which we got down to complete some chores. In the course of our communication, I met an 87-year old woman named Emily, who left an indelible mark in my memory. Despite her age, she was bubbly and positive about life. Her enthusiasm and charisma was an inspiration to me because it showed me that I could achieve my dreams and happiness if I chose to. I vowed to visit her one day out of my volition.
The residents of the home appreciated the seemingly mundane tasks we completed for them, such as washing and scrubbing floors, washing clothes, cleaning the compound, and scrubbing the walls. I could tell from their faces that they appreciated the work we had done for them. However, I took the opportunity to learn as much as possible about aging gracefully. I remembered the old saying that if only the youth had the knowledge and the elderly the strength. I knew that despite our short stay at that home, the memories would remain etched in my mind for a long time. I also got the chance to learn about the challenges that the elderly face, such as loneliness and abandonment by family and friends.
In summation, it has been many years since we visited the home of the elderly, but the memories have stayed with me ever since. The experience taught me to appreciate the elderly and assist them whenever I could. As the school bus made its way back to the school premises, I could tell that my colleagues had been touched fundamentally. The simple and yet short time we spent at the home taught us the value of respect and the need to fulfill life goals. In essence, I learned that I have the time, the energy, and the will to achieve everything I desire, but have to work hard and stay committed to the long-term goal. In essence, the visit to the home for the elderly was one social event I will never forget.
