Trip to Old Folks Home

I went to old folks home with my course mates yesterday (06/03/10).This was my very first time to visit the old folks home thus I was quite looking forward to the visiting.The visiting to the old folks home is part of our co-curriculum activities.Our group consists of 47 students,leaded by Mr.Nithi.

We departed from the university at 8am.It took us approximately 1hour to reach the old folks home.The old folks home is located at Kepala Batas in Penang.Since we planned to sing for the old folks so we learnt the selected songs on the bus.It`s an memorable moment since everyone seem like singing happily on the bus =) After we reached the place most of us were shocked because it`s so kampung until the bus can`t get into the narrow road to the place.We had to take another 625m (if not mistaken) of walking journey to the old folks home.

The old folks home is so-called "Happy retirement home" but trust me,when you look at the old people there you won`t feel any happiness among them.I felt very sad and hopeless at the first sight I look at them.Most of them were just sitting on the wheel chair,some were sleeping while some of them I just don`t know what and where are there looking.They seem like waiting the time to say bye bye to the world really pity of them.

Oh I forgot to mention the place.It`s really very kampung. The old home is located beside an oil palm estate.Can you imagine that?There is a vegetable farm and lots of flowers and dogs.Perhaps they need the dogs to acts as their security guard.

Doggie~I think they kept the dogs inside the cages when there are visitors coming.

Ok now let`s talk about what we did for the old people.After we met the person-in-charge to get know what we have to do we started our works.Some people went to do some clean-ups,some went to cut the nails for the old folks,some go to the the vegetable farm to do some works.I was the one who help the old folks to pick the vegetables.This was also my fist time to do this stuff.The aunty taught me to pick the vegetables.While we were picking the vegetables the aunty told me about her story.She is 40 something,her younger brother sent her to that old folks home because she quarreled with her mother.She is a Christian.From my observation,I guess she might have some mental problem.She can`t answer my questions when I asked her but she will answer my questions after sometimes.She is suffering from some sickness,so I encourage her to pray and the God will listen.

The vegetables that we picked.

Before lunch we had a session to share about what we learnt and what we feel.I was pointed by a dua pao ong to share about my feelings and I also learnt from other friends` sharing.During lunch time our lecturer,Mr Nithi and one of our course mates were "forced" to sing a song to the old folks xD After lunch it came to our SHOW TIME!!!We sang the songs for the old folks.I was really enjoy the singing session though the old people seem like did not enjoy =s Well,anyway,I don`t care about that.What I care is I really put my effort to do something for them.

There is an old lady who is English educated,managed to communicate with all of us in English.She told us some of her life experience and also her stories.I really feel that old people are actually heritage for the youngsters like us.I can still remember that she told us must always smile,and if you can`t get a right partner,then better to stay as a single.She is quite open minded,and she is willing to answer all the questions that we asked her.There is also an uncle who is good in writing poems and do some art works.Really impressed by his works ^^

Our last activities with them before we left is to celebrate birthday with them.Too bad the granny and the old men seem like don`t eat cake.Most of them told me they were full in Hokkien.Luckily I can understand simple Hokkien Language if not I will keep on trying to feed them.

The trip to old folks made me thinks of many things.I learnt to respect my grandparents,from my heart.Since I can see how miserable is the old people`s life in the old folks home I swear I will never think to send my parents to old folks home in the future.The society need to give more love and helping to the vulnerable one.I hope I will have more opportunities to visit the old folks home in the future.Thanks to AIMST Biotech faculty who gave us the chance to do some social works.We will go to the handicapped home next Sunday.Will write about this coming trip.

Some of my course mates` experience :

1.There is an old man whose nails is very thick until they have to use a mini saw to saw the nails.

2.When one of my course mates talk with an old lady she shared about her experience until she cried!

3.When my course mate help an old lady to cut her nails she kept on touching her hairs,perhaps the old lady wish to express her gratefulness?

4.When my friend saying good bye to an uncle he replied : "blet chiu blet chiu"

(bless you).hahaha!!!

This is the other use of a banner.Taken when we were leaving the old folks home.

I`m sorry I didn`t take much picture since I left my hand phone in my bags when I do my works.Besides,it`s too sad for me to take the pictures of the old people.