Over the past two weeks I have been given the opportunity to diverge into the elderly community more. I feel like I have learned so much going to Barro Logan to Casa de Manaña. Going to Barro Logan felt like home right away. Due to its colorful and beautiful artwork all over the community, it reminded me of my own Hispanic community back at home when I was a young girl. Although the community was beautiful and kept clean, it lacked proper necessities for our senior residents. In example, it did not have public restrooms, did not have public sitting for the elderly to catch their breathes as they are on a walk, or even proper walking pathways. The floors had dents that could possibly make a senior resident fall and break something. It was very concerning to see all the wrongs that the community had. But I did like the fact that my peers and I were able to walk around and discuss the possibilities that we can offer this community a much more safe and sustainable area to live for the elderly. Overall, that outing made me appreciate my senior residents a bit more because they are the reason why so many of us young folks are able to do what we do in this world. Now, looking at the outing from yesterday at Casa de Manaña retirement homes was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed the tour of the facility and learning about the history behind the place itself was fascinating. It was very interesting to have heard and seen how this retirement home was once a hotel in the late 1920s. It was so amazing to have seen the historical features and take in the different beautiful elements that make the retirement homes special. In addition to the tour, we had the opportunity to talk to a few of the residents that currently live in the retirement homes. I had the honor to speak with Greg, a 72 year- old man who kept saying he and his wife were the youngest individuals in the facility. I thought it was a funny aspect and fact that he kept sharing with me and my peers. But the one take away that I took from this outing was to enjoy life as it is and travel while I still can. Greg said traveling is the best that you could do for yourself. Exploring the world and finding yourself through those memories are the best.
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Gema LopezGema Lopez is a Human Development major with a specialization in Healthy Aging. She is from Archives
March 2022
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