Class/section: FHS 1500-403-F15

Your Name: Lisa Mecham

Assignment: Observation 5
Background Information
Individual's age: 80 yrs
Fictitious name: Larry
Location: Clinton Walmart
BriefDescription:
An elderly man stopped me walking into walmart, just wanting someone to talk too and tell
stories about his life, and it turned out to be one of interesting and humbling experience. We
talked for a good hour, I realized he would be perfect for this paper, and in the end, bought him
some tomatoes.
Physical Development
The young-old are the largest group of older adults. They are healthy, active financially secure
and independent, Few people notice them or realize their age (Berger, 2014, pg 505). Larry, is
an 80 yr young man. He is about 53, a little pop belly, wears an American flag tie every day,
with a blue button up shirt. His hair is as white as snow, but covers it up with his All American
baseball cap. He had wrinkles, but I soon found out that each of those wrinkles, represented a
story about his life. He was full of stamina and strength. Larry was proud of who he was. As he
showed me pictures of him in the Army, I thought to myself that I hoped to be this happy, alive
and active when I reach his age. He laughed as he told me that he is ONLY 80 yrs young, and to
keep himself and his wife young, they go out dancing every thursday. He is also someone that
you dont want to mess around with or rob from. He is much stronger than he looks. He teaches a
self defense class, and because he knew I doubted him, he decided to show me right in the
middle of Wal-mart. All I can say, is dont mess with this guy. In the book, it states Most people
older than 70 think they are doing better than other people their age - who they believe, have it
worse problems and are too self absorbed (Cruikshank, 2009; Townsend et al., 2006)( Berger,
2014, pg 500). Larry did believe this statement to be true, but he was humbled by it. He was
grateful for his health and his body and what it does for him each day.
Cognitive Development
Ageism impairs elders in many ways, but the most insidious, and most feared, involves the
mind, not the body ( Berger, 2014, pg 511) Larry showed no signs or concerns about this to me.
I asked him multiple times, how he can continue doing what he is doing, at his age. His advice
was to have fun, love, and turn to God. The elderly are more likely than younger adults to
believe in God and an afterlife. This benefits their development ( Berger, 2014, pg 550). Larry,
shined and smiled as he talked about his belief in God. The knowledge that he obtained for
himself, is what has helped him through all his life's obstacles, and still being able to come out

on top. This is the man that served in 2 wars, married to his wife for almost 60 yrs, 3 children,
and 12+ grandchildren. He advised me that once you know your purpose in life, it is a whole lot
better to enjoy what youve been given. He gave all his thanks to what he has been given to his
family and his God. He takes care of his body and mind, because he believes it is a gift. A gift
that he does not want to waste. He works hard at learning all that he can, every day. He pulled
out some newspaper clippings of him, going around to the different schools in the district and
teaching the kids about history. He keeps his mind active, but learning and staying active. He
keeps busy, he serves others and loves others.

Social/Emotional Development
You could tell Larry was lonely. I will admit, that when he pulled me aside in Wal-mart, but first
reaction in my mind wasnt as welcoming as I portrayed it to be. I was on a mission to get
grocery shopping done while my kids were at school, and I didnt have time to talk to this elderly
gentlemen. But he caught my attention by the way I started to see other people look at him and I,
standing there having a conversation. There looks seemed to be well, at least it's her and not me
that, that man stopped to talk too. And Larry seemed to know those looks all too well. It
changed me attitude, and I genuinely became engaged in what was talking to me about.
Humans are social animals, dependent on one another for survival and drawn to one another
for joy. This is as true in late life as in infancy and at every stage in between ( Berger, 2014, pg
552). At the end of an hour long conversation, with tears his Larrys eyes, he asked if he could
give me a hug. He thanked me for listening to him, for taking time out of my busy day, just to
talk. I told him that it was my pleasure to do so and honestly, I felt honored to meet such a man
as he was. He reminded me of my Grandpa. Full of wisdom and hope. Emotional support and
help with managing life may be more crucial and complex than financial assistance, sometimes
increasing when money is less needed (Herlofson & Hagestad, 2012)(Berger, 2014, pg 555) I
was taught this while speaking his Larry. After the conversation, it seemed that both of us had a
little skip in our step, and both felt uplifted from the conversation we were able to have. At the
very end of our conversation, and couple of the workers started to become concerned because
they had been there watching the entire time of our talking, and realizing he wasnt going away. I
simply smiled and nodded them to indicate that I was just fine and that they continue on with
what they were doing. It amazed me, how uninterested (including myself at the beginning) the
younger generation was with the idea of socialising out of CHOICE with the elderly. All of us
need friends and family to get through this life, and I'm grateful I was able to gain a new friend
during this experience.
Reference List
Berger, K. S. (2014). Invitation to the Life Span (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.