The loss of independence experienced during our later years can be a painful process.
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In the sunset of a strong, competent life, men and women may be deemed too frail to care for grandchildren.
They may be too ill to look after gardens, or pets.
They may become too forgetful to live independently in safety.
For proud men and women who have lived an autonomous life where they were providers, nurturers, creators or carers, this gradual erosion of physical or mental capacity can mean more than a loss of independence.
It can mean a loss of identity.
It was achingly beautiful to hear the story of a group of elderly men and women at the Living Care Nursing Home in Green Hills who reclaimed some of those experiences recently in a most unexpected way.
The group watched over a brood of fertilised chicken eggs, experienced the wonder and excitement of watching the little yellow puffballs hatch, then were able to hold the tiny creatures.
The reactions from these adoptive grandparents were intense. They expressed wonder, joy and love, in abundance. They recalled powerful memories from times past.
These reactions may have had less to do with the miracle of life and more to do with the opportunity to nurture.
It may have been a long time since some of these men and women were able to cradle another living creature and offer warmth and shelter.
Research shows that pets offer a wonderful therapeutic outlet for men, women and children in a plethora of situations.
Living Care Nursing Home should be commended for thinking outside the box and offering its residents such a validating experience.
