When they arrive at the Laudato Si Social Center, the space, already so privileged by nature, is filled with joy, laughter and conversation.
But it wasn't always like this... The first few times they came to the CSLS, they were suspicious and quiet, a reflection of the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
Many of them just want to be heard about their problems or their memories of life, which is passing so quickly.
The work of reframing takes place during workshops and conversation circles run by Juliana Puggina, therapist at the Laudado Si Social Center, where the elderly are separated into pairs and encouraged to talk about a memory, a sad moment in their lives.
From then on, they are encouraged to change the feelings that these memories bring up in them, thus being able to forgive those who have hurt them and forgive themselves in order to move on. And maybe that's why, on a festive day, they turn into children.
But while these demands are only a dream, they don't let up and, by celebrating the day dedicated to them, show that the best age really is the one we have today...
And with all this energy and joy, they continue to remind us that caring for and respecting older people is a social and moral responsibility.
It's caring for the most vulnerable and recognizing that all of us, at some point, may need the care and respect of others. After all, age comes to everyone, as the Chinese wisdom says:
Have you ever thought about who will soon be enjoying this shade? And what have you planted for your children and grandchildren to enjoy in the future? Because, inevitably, today's young people will be tomorrow's old people...
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