Sometimes I worry about the boys growing up with a disabled
parent. I have always known this would impact their lives and I have always
hoped that it wouldn’t be negative.
Recently we visited my elderly aunt who has numerous health
problems and in truth her age is sneaking up on her more and more.
When we were around hers the other day a few things started
to happen.
She went to the kitchen to make me a cup of tea and the boys
some squash and used a variety of adaptions that made it safe for her to do.
She then used a trolley to bring the tea, squash and biscuits (of course) to the
living room.
Not once did the boys question what she was doing or using;
they saw it as something normal.
The boys love telling her, as much as she loves hearing,
about the different art and crafts that they have been doing and she told them
that she does the same.
My aunt is an avid card maker; it doesn’t sound glamourous
but she is really skilled at it.
She makes cards for all occasions and in different forms;
she has made decoupage, cross stich and general craft design.
The boys were really keen to see so she went upstairs and got all her materials and came down and showed the
boys. Again, like previously, the boys didn’t notice the use of the stair lift,
instead they were excited to see one of her passions and hobbies; the boys
subsequently spent the afternoon making cards with her.
My aunt goes to a craft fair at least once a week and sells
her cards, as well as knitted baby clothes, and it is something that I am immensely
proud of her for.
Despite her age and her failing health she has learnt a new
skill and is earning herself some money each week from it.
This is exactly what a current campaign called #BreakingBarriers
For one of the first times in history we are about to see
the number of our senior generation surpass that of the youth, with those 65
and up making up 15.6%.
What we are also seeing is advancement in healthcare and
improved standards of living for all ages of people but the older generation
are also reaping the positives from this.
Instead of them now “sitting in their rocking chair” or “pottering
around slowly in the garden”, more and more are showing that they are breaking
the society’s views of what they are capable or able to do.
There are now a higher percentage of people in this age
bracket that are learning new skills, taking up new hobbies and even taking up
part time employment.
The campaign states:
“Times are changing and it's time for us to change too,
breaking the stigma and encouraging each other to take action and get inspired
to learn new skills or tricks of the trade.”
Some of these have been learning a new language, travelling
the world, photography and in many cases taking up blogging! Or, in my aunt’s
case having a productive outlet for her creative and artistic side.
The campaign also has options for anyone looking for a new
skill to learn by promoting courses in local areas such as DIY and practical
projects, fitness and well-being and computer skills to name a few. On their
site they also have links to posts and videos to help others gain some insight
and inspiration.
I love this campaign and I am in full support of it. I love
how my aunt is in this percentage of people doing more with their lives despite
age and health restrictions. It is something that I try to do myself despite
not being in the senior age bracket.
The boys unique view point helps them see the strengths that others have rather than weaknesses that may be restrictive due to age or ability; this fact is something that I am proud of and know fits in well with the campaign.
People, whatever age and ability, can learn something new,
show that there is more to them than perceived stereotypes and can really start
#breakingbarriers
No comments:
Post a Comment