At Serenity4Seniors, our work has taught us that ageing is neither uniform nor predicatble.
The Disengagement Theory suggests that individuals gradually withdraw from certain social roles, positions and relationships as they age. During our visits, we have encountered moments that resonate with this idea. Some elderly immersed in prayers while some enjoying the lull of their isolation.
At the same time, we have met residents of old age homes eagerly waiting to burst out on conversation – religion to gossip. Residents who light up sharing memories, and who carry stories that emerge through both laughter and tears.
Sarah Lamb, an anthropologist, studied ageing in India. Her work highlights the concept of Maya – the emotional attachment that one has, which binds them to the physical world. Her work is reflective of the fact that detachment and attachment often coexist. They compete. A person may forego exciting food, while still long for companionship and care.
The experiences have left us with an important lesson – there is no single way to grow old. Some seek solitude, some seek connection, and many simply go back and forth.
Our work is not to define ageing, but to meet every individual with empathy and understanding.