Elizabeth Sharples, 76, England and Wales, Great Britain
Interviewed by Bonnie Fatio, founder of AgeEsteem,during the YWCA World Council in Nairobi, Kenya,July 2007
For many in Great Britain growing older is the beginning of a new life. If they’ve been working most of their days and are reasonably well off as many are, there’s an adventure in becoming old provided you take a very positive approach to it. There are of course many who do not have the income to enjoy all those privileges and also many who are very poor, living in substandard accommodations.
Personal feelings: I’m learning to cope with it. I remember when I was 70 on my birthday, I never count very much on it, but someone from the church who had been working in Africa, a white woman, came and shook me by the hand and said, “Congratulations!” I said, “Well thank you very much. What for?” It was because I was 70. It was a miracle. So no, I think just go along, do what I can and enjoy as much as I can.
Secrets to aging well: My friends, my faith – I’m involved in church work and I dream a lot and hope a lot. I no longer have any family to turn to and I’m an only child but I still enjoy life.
I want to keep going as far as I can. I was very challenged by hearing from an African woman about her experience in her family with Aids and her commitment within the UN (United Nations) to make a difference. I am going to find some way of contributing.
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Posted by Bonnie Fatio on September 4, 2007 8:29 PM | Permalink
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