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Home > Fellowship Plaza Apt. A202 |
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Age of 100s
Our previous tenant’s name was Mrs. Viola White. The employee who was doing our paper works told some things about her.
A woman who had lived here previously was about age 100, but had to move to Arizona because her daughter, who had lived close by had passed away at age of 80. So there was no one close to watch and take care of her. Therefore her son had come to take her.
After all the paper works were done, with the manager’s guide we went to see our future residence. When she opened the door to Apartment A, there was an elderly man that looked about late 80s, who was rolling his feet and clapping his hands hard, without caring who or what was going around him. I thought he was doing exercise diligently. Later I learned that he is actually 104 years old! When he first applied for this place, he had difficulty moving, but is all excellent now. Ironically, his son who lived in Apartment B had passed away a few days before he had turned 80.
The distribution of culture in this apartment, out of 190 residences is, about 1/3 is Chinese. After that, Russian Jewish and Americans each have residence numbering 30, and 18 Korean residents. There was something very similar to Liberty Tower, as there is almost no Mexicans,
Vietnamese, or Indians. I think those cultures, caring for parents are important, and perhaps even uncomforting for parents, but reside with their children for the better.
I think the biggest problem in senior apartment is loneliness. There are several elderly who have trouble moving because of their age, and as their children lives far away, they only meet them once or twice a year. As they stay in their rooms, watching TV, stop walking around, and have friends pass away year after year, there is no one to talk to, and as there are so many cultures mixed, there is difficulty in communications. As the program is featured in English, it’s only natural the attendance is low, and the loneliness to be great.
Compared to the past, the medical technology has improved greatly along with nutrient value, and with that the age of humanity had increased. But without proper care, the health only deteriorates as one gets older, and I witness it a lot in the senior apartments. What is the best method to stay healthy long?
My wife and I walk daily for about 50 minutes in the mornings and evenings. As I walk, I noticed those who do regularly exercise maintain their health even with their old age. It shows how important it is for old age. My wife and I promised that we would take our walk until the end.
Every Monday morning the apartment employees set up a coffee and refreshments in the main hall so the residents can gather.
I think its set up so many of the cultures can join and have a befriending time. Every Monday morning after moving here, I attend it for short time. For fact I know there is about 80 Chinese, but only 15 attends. There are also 12 other Koreans, and as for Americans and Russians, they don’t really come. I have no idea how the Americans and Russians get to know each other. With the meeting, some of the same cultures wishes for a better neighbor, but because some of the neighbors don’t know each other, they become very lonely.
Now days, I have a new habit when I walk around the neighborhood. My wife is slightly awkward of this new habit of mine, but whenever I see a car passing by, I wave my hand. It’s so that those who are going to work in the morning would at least have a moment of happiness in them. But in the area I live, there are so many mansion sized houses, when the population was almost only Caucasians before, now it’s more colorful with Chinese, Koreans and Indians. Whenever I wave my hand, most Indians and Chinese don’t show much reaction. On the other hand, Americans would also smile and wave back. Therefore, I wouldn’t be so lonely, and the person passing by also would have a great day. Few years later, I would be remembered as the “grandfather who waved his hand at passing cars”.
The only one who knows my future is God. Until he calls me back to his house, I will keep my body that he gave me with utter care. With healthy body and mind I can serve the Lord better, and raise new generations of workers for God. There is a time when I will no longer be able to drive, or go outside and meet with people. It doesn’t matter long or short, it comes to everyone eventually. Recently, I told people around me that I meet, when I get older and can’t move I will have a list of people who would visit and call me, and to prepare in advance for that. Several told me to “…not to worry about it”
As the philosopher Søren Aabye Kierkegaard wrote, “Sygdommen til Døden” (that is, loneliness can lead to death)
As I grow older, I wish to live healthy and love and serve the Lord better till 100s.
(2013 January)
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Youngjin’s mother 
Age of 100s