Touchmark Post

I recently asked residents this question: If you could tell people one thing about living life, what would it be? “Wir haben um Spaß zu haben!” Translated from German, this means “We have to have fun!” According to Orvilla and many of the other older adults I spend time with and am employed to serve, this is one of the wise thoughts of life.

Later in life, as one reviews his/her accomplishments, there no doubt will be a few regrets (hopefully few) and many high points (hopefully many) as well as a few good laughs. I never have to walk farther than the front desk of our retirement community to find ample opinions, wise viewpoints, a sense of humor, and a fully seasoned perspective on a given topic.

When asked to share their wisdom, few people think of their life experience as just that. If asked what matters in life, they would tell you their perspective from the years of joy, tears, laughter, and challenges.

Some of the comments are priceless. They offer a window into each person’s heart, and they provide a reward to those who enjoy serving older adults, both as a beloved pastime and an occupation.

Here are just a few memorable moments captured:

When asked by the executive director, “How are you feeling today Phil?” his hearing didn’t serve him, so she repeated the question in a little different wording. “Are you feeling good today?” The reply was sincere and humorous: “Parts of me are.”

When asked how she would sum up her life’s experiences, Jane smiles and says, “Whatever’s the best, whatever’s lovely, that’s what my mother and father wanted for me.”

Residents who speak other languages in addition to English are encouraged to share this knowledge. While deciding what of the French language to teach first to an interested staff person, Kate decided, “Je ne se pas.” The translation—“I don’t know.”—has many uses.

Thinking long and hard for a phrase or quote that would sum up her words of wisdom about life, Lila thought of a little poem from her youth: “As you slide down the banister of life, don’t get slivers caught in your rear.” Being an accomplished carpenter and woodworker, Lila, no doubt, knew of what she spoke.

A staff person asked Clarence what he thought was the most exciting aspect about turning 100 years of age. Clarence paused. The staff member asked if it was the “bragging rights” that appealed the most. Clarence said no. “Was it all the amazing experiences and changes you’ve lived through?” Clarence replied, “No,” and finally disclosed what was making him giddy about turning 100. “My cousin promised me at my 99th birthday that if I made it to 100; she’d give me $100. I’m in it for the money!” I hope I always remember the sound of his laughter that followed.

How would you sum up your experiences, regardless of the number of years, in a sentence or two? How often do you get to listen to the wisdom of the ages?

If the answer is not often, or if you have the opportunity to hear but rarely feel you can take the time to truly listen, you may be missing out on a wealth of riches.

When it comes to developing a sense of wisdom, this may be one of the things that blossoms later in life. I’ve heard it said (by a resident) that it’s better to be a late bloomer than have no bloomers at all.