Living to long can be a burden

We visit an aged care home regularly to visit people that don’t get visitors. I have been talking to a lady who is 97. She never seems to be very happy even though she’s in great health for her age. She said to me today “I’ve been here way to long” I asked her what she meant and she said “I’ve outlived my siblings, husband and children, I hope today is my last day. I didn’t know what to say, I just sat there. Can’t even hold her hand because of the glass window between us. I’ve never felt so useless in my life. I don’t know what to say next time I visit her, it’s so so sad 😕😢

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ninjavu · 51-55, M

I like my life the way it is now, although that wasn't always the case, but I can tell you that I no longer have the dream to live to 100 that I had when I was a kid.

I can understand how this lady feels, but I'm sorry that you felt useless. You're doing a good thing to volunteer to go and visit them. You'll learn much by talking to old people, including what you've just learned from this lady. The fact that she's talking to you means there probably *is* something she'd like to talk about, but you just haven't found it yet. Be patient with her. 🤗

ChloeYoung · 18-21, F

@ninjavu I talk to her from the other side of a glass screen. The last time we visited I said hi Mable... cuddles, and I got a little smile 😊

ninjavu · 51-55, M

@ChloeYoung Aww, sweet. 😊