How Do You See This Way of Elder Care?

jiejing

How Do You See This Way of Elder Care?

Xuefeng

July 19, 2025

In the natural course of life, everyone grows old.
As the years pass, physical strength, vitality, and spirit all gradually decline.
Many fall ill; some lie bedridden, needing someone nearby for care and support.

If no one is there to care for them, the final years can be filled with loneliness and sorrow.
Some elders pass away in silence, their absence unnoticed for days.
Only when their bodies begin to decay and emit a foul smell do others become aware.

Few on this Earth can say with certainty that their twilight years will be joyful, fulfilling, and serene.

In the past, people relied on their children for elder care.
But with the advance of urbanization and the young leaving home for distant jobs,
even those with children often cannot count on filial companionship.

In reality, today’s young and middle-aged are already overwhelmed by the pressures of survival.
Simply staying alive each day drains their sweat and soul.
It’s not that they don’t wish to stay by their parents’ side,
but their hardships are unspeakable—the heart is willing, but strength is not enough.

When children can no longer be depended on,
those with means turn to nursing homes.
But to speak frankly, a nursing home often becomes a place to wait for death.
Such a life holds no flavor, no joy—only helpless resignation.
It is not a path chosen from the heart, but one taken when all other doors are closed.

Even with filial children, hired caregivers, or diligent staff,
the bitter truths of old age are hard to voice.
Those who truly pass their final years in peace and joy are very, very few.

But imagine another way of elder care:

A community where elders chat joyfully with peers each day,
surrounded by middle-aged adults, young people, and cheerful children who bring laughter, life, and boundless energy.
Where cooking, laundry, and cleaning are lovingly handled by others.
Where elders with energy can contribute what they are able.

Each month brings evenings of music, laughter, and joyful games.
Brothers and sisters of the soul gather, their laughter echoing like bells in the heart.

Bedding and clothes are washed with care.
Kind souls assist with bathing.
When walking is no longer possible, warm meals are brought to the bedside—
always with a smile, never with complaint.

And when life draws to a close,
gentle hands handle everything with grace and love.
Chanting and blessings guide the departing soul.
In such a setting, most who pass are bound for heaven.
Here, death is no longer a thing of fear—
but a joyous threshold, longed for in peace.

What do you think of such a way of elder care?

Do you believe such a life could truly exist on Earth?

Let me tell you the truth:
this life has already existed in this world—for more than ten years.

But can every elder enjoy such a life?

No.
Only those whose souls have been purified can dwell in such a paradise of elder life.