Navigating through the stages of aging can be difficult and often leave the elderly feeling alone, isolated, and missing social relationships. Social isolation not only can leave the elderly feeling sad and lonely, it can lead to overall negative health effects. The best medicine to counteract such gloom?
A dose of adolescence.
Archbishop Williams High School (AWHS) has tapped into the key to joy by unlocking the important connections between senior citizens and young people. Intergenerational relationships have long proven to nurture mutual learning and growth, social cohesion, and emotional comfort. The elderly revel in the company of young people in whom they find keen listeners. They can unravel the years by telling stories about “life long ago”. Teenagers, for their part, experience living history and an understanding of traditions and values that seem to be under threat of extinction. And in the elderly, they, too, find rapt listeners.
Under the direction of David Gilpin, Director of Campus Ministry, and Assistant Director Joanie Querzoli, this magical connection happens regularly for AWHS students and the residents of Independence Manor, an assisted living facility located across the street from the school. The students visit the elderly regularly, participate in spirited games of Bingo, and generously exchange laughter and companionship.
This week, however, the residents received a dusting of something extra special.
On Ash Wednesday, Mr. Gilpin and his students arrived for their routine visit and, in addition to their cheerful and Bingo-ready attitudes, Mr. Gilpin carried with him an extra gift.
“The group of students came for Bingo and their leader brought ashes,” resident Marilyn Kearney shared excitedly. “We didn’t have anybody to bring ashes to us, but this lovely, lovely man brought them and gave them to us! It was just a wonderful thing that he did yesterday. He is extra special as the kids are. They bring us so much joy.”
Joyful connections between the young and old are timeless gifts that endure through generations, much like God’s promise to us that He can- and will- always create beauty out of ashes.
“…to place on those who mourn in Zion a diadem instead of ashes, To give them oil of gladness instead of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a faint spirit.”
