At this month’s Elder Cafe, we asked seniors what advice they would give to high school students graduating this year. And we got some wonderful responses – both fun and insightful! Here are a few of the responses we received:
“Listen carefully to ideas you don’t agree with”
“Life a life you love”
“Make good choices!”
“Please don’t live in my basement forever!”
“Follow your dreams”
“Take a risk”
This insightful advice from our elders reminds us of the importance of listening to elders – you might just get some valuable suggestions! Our work to support seniors on the East Side of Saint Paul goes far beyond service requests such as providing rides and helping with lawn care. We work hard to foster a community where seniors feel valued and included. To help us with that goal, we like to remind the community that seniors are more than just a population that needs help – they are a vital, important group of people who have much to offer. Inter-generational programming is one way that we work toward a senior-friendly community. By giving students an opportunity to spend time with seniors, we are helping them recognize the joys and challenges that come with aging. Students also learn that not all seniors are alike – just as not all students are alike. Stereotypes are broken, and real relationships can be built when different generations have the opportunity to spend time together.
East Side Elders also supports the next generation of healthcare professionals by giving them an opportunity to spend time with seniors in their homes. Nursing students and seniors build a relationship over the course of a semester – and the students get a better idea of what it means to be a senior. This kind of hands-on learning is a wonderful complement to classroom instruction and helps give future nurses the confidence and knowledge to provide quality care to seniors.
These are just a few ways that we work to build an age-friendly community. If you would like to support us in our work, consider volunteering with our organization or making a tax-deductible donation today. Thank you for support!