What Compels Me to Work for Senior Care, Long-Term Care, and Adult Day Care Centers? And What Are the Takeaways?
Pushing my blue wagon full of pots and pans, rattling with the day’s recipe ingredients, I rush to a senior center. The beautiful ambiance, the mid-morning Florida sun pouring its hopeful rays through giant windows—it all feels warm and inviting. Round tables are adorned with simple décor, each featuring a vase with warm-colored spring flowers.
As I enter, I hear the chitchatting and laughter of folks in wheelchairs, with walking sticks, and beautiful wrinkled smiles.
Who wouldn’t love to go to work where you're greeted like a celebrity?
That's me.
Every day, I feel incredibly grateful to witness this warmth, and at the same time, I remain humbled by the constant reminder that "Time catches up with everyone."
Being an immigrant and having lived in the U.S. for more than two decades, I missed out on being there for my aging parents and in-laws. That absence has always left me with a sense of guilt and helplessness. Helping and serving these wonderful seniors fills my heart with warmth and gives me a sense of purpose. At the same time, this country has provided us with so many opportunities and a better livelihood—it just feels right to give back in this way.
When I interact with these seniors, I see teachers, lawyers, doctors, bus drivers, stay-at-home moms, CEOs—people who once served our generation in their prime. Now, it’s our turn to do the same.
What I have learned is that their needs are very simple—a sincere smile, gentle words of appreciation, and a warm, fresh meal.
Of course, just like us, they have their ups and downs. They go through waves of emotions. They face health issues, emotional pain, mental illnesses, doctor visits, medications affecting their moods, and the sorrow of losing loved ones. In these moments, being compassionate and empathetic—despite their occasional harsh words, rudeness, or frustration—helps navigate these interactions better.
My motto when working with them is: "Don't take things personally."
Takeaways If You Wish to Help Seniors
Growing old is inevitable, but feeling old is a choice. I come across seniors in their 90s who still look young, dress up, stay mobile, and live independently. And then there are some in their late 60s who have given up on life and, most importantly, on themselves. Mindset matters.
To maintain a better state of mind, we need a healthy, happy body for our mind to reside in. Wellness and an active lifestyle are the keys to healthy aging.
The choices we make in our 20s influence our health in our 30s. The choices we make in our 30s impact our health in our 40s—and so forth.
The Four Foundations of Healthy Aging
- Physical Health: Stay active, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and manage chronic conditions.
- Mental Well-being: Keep the mind engaged through learning, social interactions, and stress management.
- Social Connections: Maintain relationships with family, friends, and community to prevent loneliness.
- Purpose & Meaning: Engage in hobbies, volunteer, or pursue passions to stay motivated and fulfilled.
Aging is a journey, but with the right approach, we can make our last decades as fulfilling and joyful as our first.