Old Lives Matter

This Grandparents Day weekend is an opportunity for us to pray for the elderly, to visit them and spend time with them. Unfortunately, it is not like that all the time, especially with the pandemic. Our elders are more and more isolated than ever before. Yes, we must protect them against Covid-19, but it is also our duty to stay in touch with them. If you cannot visit, please find a good way to keep contact. Let us treat our elders the way we ourselves would like to be treated by our children later in life. “Someday and sooner then we could ever imagine, we are going to be old too.”  

When I moved to Western society, the nursing homes were among the realities that drew my attention. I was surprised to see so many elders living in their “own world.” However, I did not wait to become elderly before I became involved in their “world.” It is so interesting that I would like to share my experience.

It is always a great and wonderful experience to visit elderly people in their own homes or in nursing homes. They are very kind, gracious, generous, and deeply interested in spiritual things. Some of them struggle with health issues but they have hope, life experiences, deep faith, and trust in God. I have come to believe that faith in God can strengthen human life and hope even though the physical condition is weakened.

My experience among elderly people is sometimes sad. It is sad to see how some people are lonely or have little contact with their families. They enjoy company and love to share their own life experiences. Therefore, listening to them, is for me, a very important role. Our dialogue helps them to review the blessings that God has bestowed upon them, especially when we talk about their children and their grandchildren. They usually have many pictures of their loved ones on display, and they love telling me about them.

It is upsetting to see how human life is so fragile that sometimes I try to put myself in their shoes. “Our elders are men and women, fathers and mothers, who came before us on our own road, in our own house, in our daily battle for a worthy life. They are men and women from whom we have received so much. The elder is not an alien.  We are that elder: in the near or far future, but inevitably, even if we don’t think it. And if we don’t learn how to treat the elder better, that is how we will be treated.” (Pope Francis, General Audience, March 4, 2015). It helps me to think about the meaning of my own life now and in the future.

Fortunately, God is present when we think about the mystery of our lives. I am very happy to bring the Holy Eucharist, God’s presence, to the people I visit. The Eucharist is like a medicine against their loneliness. By accepting the Eucharist, each person receives divine grace and God’s presence. This also helps them feel connected with the entire Church community. When I leave, I continue to pray for each person I visited and I am sure that they are also praying for me. This intercessory prayer is a way for me to stay in touch with them through God’s presence. I also pray for those hard-working people who care for the elderly each day.

They are very dedicated people; most of them are ladies who have devoted their lives as good Samaritans to the well-being of the elderly. It is impossible to do this kind of work without sharing love, kindness, goodness, heartfelt caring, compassion, and even holiness. Through their devotion, they are witnesses to Jesus’ eternal love. One can see in their devotion, Jesus acting for those who are in need.

As Christians, we have to carry on the redemptive work of Christ. We are all invited to serve others, especially those who are in need. May the lives of Saints and inspired men and women of the Church continue to inspire us. You do not have to wait to become elderly before you enter “their world.” Now is the time to get involved! Your visit, your card, or mail will be greatly appreciated.