Ana Lydia Peeks

Five Things I'Ve Learned About Life from Working in a Nursing Home: Discovering the Treasures of the Golden Years Ana Lydia Peeks

This book is not scientific in nature nor is it heavily embedded with literature or references on the aging process. Instead, I share my reflections about themes that emerged in my work as a professional in a nursing home. At times, I will share my own experiences to illustrate a point. This book is written as an invitation to guide readers to lift the veil into what could be viewed as a complex process-that is, the aging process. While we are all headed toward this developmental benchmark as we grow older; the path of aging influences us all. This book is not psychotherapy, and residents are not identified as case studies. Rather, the aim of this book is for readers to reflect on the themes highlighted in each chapter. It is as if we are sitting together and exchanging viewpoints about the various thematic chapters in this book. In each chapter, I use metaphors to underscore my observations. The book's format is divided into chapters. Each chapter has a title and a subtitle describing each theme as a jewel. To understand this, picture yourself sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of tea and reading a chapter in this book. Questions poised in the chapters in this book are questions that I reflected on in my own discovery about aging, and thus, I feel compelled to share them with you. Since a jewel is the subtitle of each chapter, why not experiment and develop your own treasure chest? There are numerous arts and crafts stores that carry boxes that can be decorated to resemble a treasure chest, as we all have the ability to be creative. Further, as part of this process, consider choosing a favorite color or colors as your own personal jewel(s), place it inside your personalized treasure chest, and pour your hopes, dreams, and aspirations onto it. It is surprising what this process may reveal! Even more, imagine having your own treasure chest, and as you raise the lid, a beautiful golden light emerges, revealing five sparkling jewels. As you read each chapter, imagine holding one of these beautiful jewels in your hand. As you study the jewel's brilliance coupled with the themes in each chapter, it is my hope that you, too, will discover a treasure trove of jewels that embody the golden years!