Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Linda Hildonen
Marketing Associate at Schooner Estates
As 2017 draws to a close, it’s important to remember to keep careful perspective as we look back on the year. Filled with political controversy, natural disasters and human tragedy, this year has offered a significant challenge to all of us when it comes to keeping calm and positive, and finding lessons to be learned.
The young among us might be tempted to see nothing but division, anger, and fear. Perhaps this is the best reason of all to look to our elders for the clear-headed wisdom that comes with watching the tides of history rise and fall throughout the decades.
More often than not, when asked for words of wisdom to share with younger generations, older folk will offer up time-tested advice that relies on simple, straightforward themes of kindness towards one’s fellow man.
“You’ve got to have a degree of what I call ‘mutuality,'” said Irving Isaacson, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, when he was interviewed in his apartment at Schooner Estates Senior Living Community. “Some people are very selfish and looking out for themselves and nobody else. That won’t get you too far.”
Arthur Turner, 78, who met Isaacson when he moved to Schooner Estates and has since become a close companion, shared similarly unselfish insight when asked. His advice was simply “Value family and friends.”
“A smile does not cost you one penny,” says Ann Anderson, 89, a former resident of Andover Mass. “When you’re walking along or you meet someone and you smile at them, nine times out of 10, they smile right back at you. And maybe they were feeling, well, let’s say, crummy or lonesome. But you got them to put a smile on their face. That’s what’s important.”
Doris Robbins, who formerly owned a dress shop in Rumford, has another take on the golden rule of treating others they way you’d want to be treated. “Be polite,” says the 101-year-old, echoing the values of her youth. “And go out of your way to help. Especially older people. They appreciate it. I know I do.”
Our country has many challenges to face in the year ahead, and overcoming them will require no small amount of civility and willingness to work together. As we move through this holiday season, we should all take time to reflect on the simple words from these extraordinary individuals. If there is one thing that we can count on to give us strength for our future, it is the wisdom of the past, and the simple lesson of kindness and community that it teaches.
