Learning to listen and taking life lessons from seniors are a gift we should never discount. A reflection shared should be a reflection cherished.
How do you make a full and meaningful life when you can’t do so many of the things you once did? This is the question New York Times reporter, John Leland, has attempted to answer in his seven-year, twenty-one article series interviewing seniors nearing the end of their lives. Some of their thoughts on leading a meaningful life include, “don’t brood about the things you can’t reach; live as if your time is limited; focus on the people you care about and enjoy the pleasures at hand.”
This series should be required reading for anyone working with seniors. It is clear that your goals and what is important to you change with age and experience. I have discovered how important it is to learn to listen to our clients. Regardless of the amount of schooling or degrees after your name, we have much to learn from our clients’ years of experience. I thank our clients who have and will continue to share their experiences with us.