When was the last time you spent time with an Elder or helped out an old person?

1. 76

   backporchstoriesposted 10 years ago

   When was the last time you spent time with an Elder or helped out an old person?
   
   Our wisest souce is our old people, our Elders.  So often in today's society, we simply place these wise ones in nursing homes or retirement centers and move on with our lives.  This valuable resource is seldomly tapped.  When was the last time you gave respect to an Elder and spent time talking with them?

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2. 87

   tonymead60posted 10 years ago

   Every day, I just have to talk to the wife.

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      backporchstoriesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's a good one!

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3. 80

   SidKempposted 10 years ago

   I did it several times earlier this week. My wife and I, together, visit her father and help him share his wisdom with the world, even though he has developed some limitations. And your question is a great one, as we can do more than just reach out to our own family. A few weeks ago, I took time to be with one of the other patients at the care unit where my father-in-law lives. It would make sense to do that more often, or serve in some other way.

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      backporchstoriesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It is so true!  Our Elders are so important and many people often overlook that resouce.

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4. 59

   ErinEliseposted 10 years ago

   I talk to my 85 year old dad on a daily basis and see him about once a week.
   ; )

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5. 62

   Neil Sperlingposted 10 years ago

   Daily - an old chap who rented above me has no friends, no money, no car... I pick him up for coffee 5-7 times a week and drive him to the grocery store sometimes 2 times a week as well.
   
   Helping our fellow travelers on the path of life is a joy (even though at times it seems a burden - LOL )

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6. 61

   GracieLindaposted 10 years ago

   I tried to volunteer near my home but since I am on steroids couldn't,  It didn't seem like they wanted any volunteers but the way I was treated before they knew.

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7. 68

   marwan asmarposted 10 years ago

   Your absolutely right we don't take enough time to be around our elders. We are too busy carrying on with our own lives that we tend to forget this valuable portion of society. Its a crying shame!

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8. 77

   MrMaranathaposted 10 years ago

   I had two Elders come to my door just recently.. but they were only about 18-20 years old... Does that count???
   
   Just Kidding... and you are correct... our Real Elders are a source of Wisdom and should be treated with respect in their closing years...

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      daFujposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Very funny.  I know just who you mean. . .why do they call them "elders"?  Most of them are about 18 and have just started shaving!

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9. 59

   Eugene Hardyposted 10 years ago

   I'm getting old myself, but I sat on a park bench having a conversation about people and being city dwellers.

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10. 83

    jcm_blabsposted 10 years ago

    Over two weeks ago I sat by my mother's side at the hospital.

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11. 79

    handymanbillposted 10 years ago

    My mom at 86 just passed away and I spent a good bit of time with her. She was fun and interesting to be with.

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12. 79

    shampa sadhyaposted 10 years ago

    Almost six to eight months every year I spend my time with my mother -in-law, 80 years of age, in a same house. She stays with us and naturally I take care of her every need and every special moment we share together.

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13. 59

    Grams Studyposted 10 years ago

    I was a chronic care nurse mostly in nursing homes for 38 years.  I helped one out yesterday who is older than I am

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14. 77

    starme77posted 10 years ago

    All day every day for the past four years

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15. 35

    Rathna Petersposted 10 years ago

    Daily, when it comes back to finish the evening walk in the apartment we are living in one of two elderly people sitting in a chair for two to 84, and 76 years old. I'll ask them to sit down and talk with them, they did not fail to inquire about the other details.

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16. 60

    daFujposted 10 years ago

    In January a 93 year old elder of our family passed away.  I spent a lot of time with him and feel that I was a positive influence as he passed.  It was a moral and spiritual time of growth.

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17. 60

    Alayne Fenasciposted 10 years ago

    My 86 year old grandfather passed away a couple of weeks ago. I spent quite a few afternoons with him and my grandmother while he was in hospital. I have always been close with them. My grandmother is my source of wisdom. I trust her judgement, knowing she has seen so much of life and has learned what is true and what is important. I had a job where many elderly people shopped at the establishment. Many of them had stories to tell and I loved listening.
    
    I grew up on a street where everyone knew each other, and my family was the only one under the age of 65. Most were quite a bit older than that. Being a small child, polite, and friendly, I got to know them all. I sat on porches drinking Sprite and listening to the old ladies tell stories and talk and ask me how I was doing.
    
    I think I'm a generation behind my own because I grew up with such strong influences from generations prior to my parents. These wise elderly people had ethics and morals far beyond the silly arguments of today. They based life on a sturdier foundation of understanding and wisdom. I am proud to have learned from them, and plan to continue. Hopefully one day, when I am old, I will have their wisdom to share in addition to my own.

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18. 68

    Keith Engelposted 10 years ago

    I spent 3 years taking care of grandmother while she was living with us until her dementia got so bad that she began to get violent. I haven't really helped out an elderly person since then, though I am helping my 63 year old friend learn about computers, but I no longer think 63 is "elderly."

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19. 81

    tmbridgelandposted 10 years ago

    About once or twice a week I stop by my Dad's house to chat, and sometimes do a bit of repair on his house. Every day in my job I talk with people of all ages, including elderly, and I am often able to help them with their insurance problems. Sometimes I have to give bad news, and that makes me sad, so I try to show sympathy on the phone.

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20. 0

    Gusserposted 10 years ago

    I spend time with elders every moment of my day. I am an elder.

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    1. 60

       daFujposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       hee hee.  I am too.  Just what is an "elder" when you are on Medicare, Social Security, and treasure a 79cent cup of coffee more than a T-bone steak?

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       Gusserposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       79c coffee?  An elder is anyone past middle age. Middle Age is --To young for medicare, but too old for girls to care.

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    3. 76

       backporchstoriesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I knew there was some reason why I like you Gusser!

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    4. 79

       handymanbillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Great comment. I guess i fit that too.

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21. 47

    DRG Da Real Grincposted 10 years ago

    I am currently helping one out now here in Miami. I'm helping an elder sell arts & antiques the internet way and have in the process became a partner.

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22. 84

    Catherine Kaneposted 10 years ago

    Yesterday- i'm currently working in a skilled nursing facility

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    1. 76

       backporchstoriesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You have a thankless job....so for a change, allow me to thank you for what you do.  I bet you find it very rewarding at times.

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23. 79

    pstraubie48posted 10 years ago

    Three weeks ago. My sister lives a long drive from my home but I try to visit every two weeks. This month personal issues came up which have prevented me from traveling to see her. We visit on the phone several times a week.
    We go out to eat  when I go there which gets her out and then spend time visiting while some things get done around her place.

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    1. 76

       backporchstoriesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You reminded me....I need to visit my sister as soon as I get the gas!!!!

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24. 81

    Becky Katzposted 10 years ago

    I am married to one and help him constantly. He is disabled and older than me by ten years. He is a grumpy old guy at times but I wouldn't trade him for anything. We have been together for 27 years.

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