11/1/2009
My mother, 95, lives in a senior complex. There are a few conveniences associated with living among other elderly residents. There are bus services that go directly to her door. The complex is a HUD project so the rent is partially subsidized. Of course, politicians seeking the senior vote know where to go. I can’t think of many more. Oh, yes, they help each other more than most neighbors.
Two of my mother’s best friends recently passed away, one this week from cancer, her third and final bout. There have been several more deaths of people she only knew in passing. Both of her friends suffered long illnesses.
I can’t think of a time since she gave up her private house that she has not been dealing with the illness or mourning the passing of a friend or neighbor. Someone is always ill. Someone is always falling.
These clustered seniors, suffer with each friend or neighbor who passes and each person who falls ill. They suffer for their friends and worry for their own limited mortality.
My wife and I live in a remarkable apartment complex populated with many children, young adults, some younger seniors and a few quite elderly persons. We have little to remind us that much of our life is behind us and no need to dwell on it. We rarely see an ambulance. Our surroundings do not cause us worry and sadness. Those in senior housing, assisted living and nursing homes are victims of this worry and sadness every day of their lives.
Why can’t we provide our senior citizens the services they require in age-integrated neighborhoods? Why do we cluster our senior citizens? There are very few conveniences and quite a lot of depression.
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