Keijo 92 years
Palvelu- tai senioritalo, Pirkanmaa
Daily life of my own choosing
I usually wake up around five in the morning. I used to wake up early for work and I cannot get out of the habit. I watch television for a bit, even though there’s little on except reruns. I read the paper and have a rest. I like to walk, I go for short walks every day with the walking frame. I meet other residents in the dining room downstairs. I often sit by the window and on the balcony. I look forward to the groups and events downstairs starting again after the pandemic, I would like to get started with them. I also look forward to summer so that I can go outdoors. I'm happy with everything that goes on here, I really have no worries about anything in my everyday life. I have sometimes thought, what if you end up having to stay in bed and start losing your mobility, but the carers here will help you.
All it takes to make me happy in my daily life is sometimes getting a letter or card from an old friend. I'm quite happy with my life, so I don’t have any particular wishes, except for a long life.
Home
I’ve been living here for a few months now. I became a widower a few years ago, and the time came to move to a place where help is closer. I have a small studio flat here, and I am very happy with it. I wanted to have a window with a view of the yard so I can see what's going on in the world. I want to see people rather than trees. Moving was tough overall, even though I didn’t do much physical work. There are still things that I should arrange here. Sometimes I feel that moving has made me another year older.
Services
I have my meals in the dining room of the housing facility. Sometimes I cook porridge for myself here, and I also make coffee. I can manage everyday activities myself without needing help from the carers. I take some medicines, and they are brought to me from the pharmacy at the service centre. I use the service centre’s chiropodist regularly. I still go out to the city sometimes. I use taxis, taking a bus is too much for me now. I look after my financial affairs myself in the bank. Sometimes I go to a local shop, or take a taxi to a larger shop that is further away. I have a hearing aid, which is why I have to visit the central hospital from time to time. To see a doctor, I can go to a health centre nearby.
Important people
I'm the last one of my family, I only have a few second cousins and cousins left. My wife has passed away. I have a group of three men here at the service centre who I enjoy spending time with.
Turning points of life and their impact
My life has had its turning points ever since I was a little boy. Losing loved ones is what I remember best. At my age, you have had many losses. Life is for living, however, and it’s no use thinking about sad things.
Use of digital devices
I have a smartphone but I don’t use many of its functions. I only use the phone for making calls. I can read messages, but I haven’t bothered writing any myself. I also have a hands-free device, which means I don't have to get to the phone every time it rings. My wife used a computer, but after she died I didn't feel I needed it, so I got rid of it. An old man doesn't need e-mails and suchlike. There are other ways to take care of things. I can watch anything I want on the televisions, for example sports.
To conclude
A sense of humour is everything. You couldn't live without it.
palaa-hakutuloksiin