The perception of old age as a period of decline, in which human and social inadequacy is taken for granted, is in fact very widespread today. But this is a stereotype. It does not take account of a condition that is in practice far more diversified, because older people are not a homogeneous human group and old age is experienced in very different ways. There are those older people who are capable of grasping the significance that old age has in the context of human existence, and who confront it not only with serenity and dignity, but as a time of life which offers them new opportunities for growth and commitment. But there are others—more numerous in our own day—to whom old age is a traumatic experience, and who react to their own ageing with attitudes ranging from passive resignation to rebellion, rejection and despair. They are persons who become locked into themselves and self-marginalized, thus accelerating the process of their own physical and mental deterioration.
 
To correct the current, largely negative image of old age is therefore a cultural and educational task which ought to involve all generations. We have a responsibility towards older people today: we need to help them to grasp the sense of their age, to appreciate its resources, and to overcome the temptation to reject it, and so succumb to self-isolation, resignation and a feeling of uselessness and despair. We also have a responsibility towards future generations: that of preparing a human, social and spiritual context in which each person may live this period of life with dignity and fullness.

Excerpt from: The Dignity of Older People and their Mission in the Church and in the World
 Pontifical Council for the Laity 

Please.......See me.

Our elderly in nursing facilities have many, many memories from their long and happy lives. Many times they'd like to share some of these memories with others. And many times, those others are too busy to listen and sometimes just not willing. We all need to make some time to listen to their stories and appreciate them for who they are. Here's a beautiful poem from the perspective of one such elderly patient.