Page 57 - Stories_of_Older_Adults

T A K E H O M E M E S S A G E

“ - Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"

You never really understand a person until you climb inside of his skin and walk around it.

Malaysians generally hold the older Everyone is an individual with
generation in high regard. We are taught something to share and something to
to respect and care for our older relatives learn, regardless of their age,
and to help older members of society. But occupation, background or other
do we see older people as individuals? We demographics. Whether young, old or
may hold on to generalisations, for in between, everyone has a story or two
example, that they are weak, or stuck in that we can learn from. If you make
their habits, or even that they have little time to listen, it is likely you will
to contribute to the world. uncover rich experiences, emotions,
values, beliefs, and layers of complexity.
As our stories have shown, the older
generation have a lot to share. They have Value their voice, make them feel
been through experiences which can appreciated, and most importantly,
teach and inspire us. Yet, older people are connect with them! Put yourself in their
far more than their past experiences and shoes and think how you would feel in
wisdom. Like us, they have a present and that situation. Considering things from
future, likes and dislikes, hobbies, someone else's point of view is how we
passions and plans. can understand each other better.

The older people in our study took part in Humanistic values are crucial in
online interviews, showing that they are treating patients. We should treat them
keeping up with technology. They were the way we want to be treated. Each
open to a new experience and new patient is an individual, beyond their
people. Many were active and some, still age, status or health condition. Their
working. Of course, others may be opinions matter; they matter!
different. All older people are not similar,
just as all young people, or dentists, are
not the same.

R E F E R E N C E S

Nunes, P., Williams, S., Sa, B., & Stevenson, K. (2011). A study of empathy decline in students from five health
disciplines during their first year of training. International Journal of Medical Education, 2, 12–17.
Sherman, J., & Cramer, A. (2005). Measurement of changes in empathy during dental school. Journal of Dental
Education, 69, 338-345.

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