I just read a very important book that everyone over 30 should read!!
BEING MORTAL by Atul Gawande.
It is shocking, tough sensitive, very honest, it deals with the reality that death can happen at any age, it is a book that will stay with me for a long time!
For me, it brought back memories of when my daughter died, and how doctors have no idea how to deal with the emotional turmoil that families go through! I have worked with a number of people that are terminally ill, and it is so important to be honest and to answer their questions in the most truthful way possible.
I have mentioned in my blog before, how different the Western world deals with illness and death of their elders, how we have homes that provide care, but isolate people from their communities, vs. the Eastern world where people are much more integrated. I visited a senior home in India a few years ago, the people that lived there shared in everything, everyone used their skills and benefitting the whole home, they cooked, cleaned, did crafts, taught writing, painted, they had fun and were happy (it was a very different atmosphere). The day I was there, a guest from Switzerland was visiting and they were planning a Cheese Fondue Dinner Party! They shared their individual skills that they had developed over the years with everyone. Plus it was a very attractive place, with bright colours, gardens, etc. At that point in time I didn’t realize the uniqueness of this place!
You might think I am spending too much time on this “aging issue”, but a part of me is doing the observational work for my own good and a part of me is saying if I can make a little bit of a difference, so be it.
I believe there should be no questions at the end!!
The Nomadic Intern 
Thanks for the recommendation of the book; I will get it and read it! Love Prue
Betty – I am not sure what your definition of the “Western World” is. Here in Mexico the family is very important and many old people live with their families until they die. They are not put in homes, however, the senior homes they do have here, from what I read, are very different from the ones in Canada and with much more caring workers.
Thanks Elizabeth. Would it be avaailable, in Toronto?
Hugh
Really enjoyed reading this one! The home in India sounds like it could be a model for others and I look forward to reading Atul Gawande’s book.
Don’t I even get an honorable mention for recommending it to you? Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Rogers network. From: The Nomadic InternSent: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 12:35 PMTo: uarora@illuminapartners.comReply To: The Nomadic Intern Subject: [New post] Required Reading!
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Betty Steinhauer posted: “I just read a very important book that everyone over 30 should read!!
BEING MORTAL by Atul Gawande.
It is shocking, tough sensitive, very honest, it deals with the reality that death can happen at any age, it is a book that will stay with me for”
Betty, can you please send me a couple of dates when we could get together for lunch before you head off again. The calendar is filling up fast.
Jeffrey