Capturing Alaska
with Wayde Carroll
The Value of Our Elders
I had a wonderful experience on an assignment a couple of weeks ago. I was commissioned to take photographs of a retirement community for their various promotional needs. I was excited for a couple of reasons. First of all the location was a couple of hours away from Anchorage which meant I got to enjoy a beautiful drive in my favorite state. Secondly, I've always had good friends that are quite a bit older than I am. For some reason we just get along. I have tremendous respect for those who have traveled this life longer than I have. I've had so many good friends that are filled with life, real joy, regardless of the amazing trials they've endured. Many of my elderly friends have more energy than I do and their minds are constantly learning, exploring, coming up with creative ideas. They know what they like and how to savor the good moments. I've lost a few but I'll be forever grateful that I was lucky enough to be considered their friend.
I was a little apprehensive because I had never been in a home for so many people in their advanced years and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a place I wouldn't mind spending my last years in. It was a gorgeous location and I saw a loving, attentive, staff spending time with the residents. Cooking, laughing, helping when needed. During a full day of working there I gained a profound respect for those that work there. Obviously not all the work is pleasant and it's hard to see some people at the time of their life when they can't take care of them selves any longer, but the staff was so pleasant, patient, and kind, that I was seriously moved inside.
I was fortunate enough to work with several "models" that were willing to brave the camera and share some time and many smiles.
I have to say a few words on the two native women you'll see together having tea below. These two women were a blessing. Everyday they get together for tea and I have never seen such love and joyous interaction between two adults. I could have photographed them all day long. I'm sure you'll get a sense of why. If only we could all be so lucky to have a friendship like that in our later years.
The one thing I couldn't get out of my mind was the realization that we will all, if we're lucky, end up being old and less able to care for ourselves. I could only hope that each resident has family that visits often, though I'm sure that's not the case. I've always been of the mind that our elders are valuable to us in so many ways and I think they should be celebrated. I hope that all of us will take the time to talk with the elderly we come across. So many are just ignored. I hope for all of us a long, happy life, with lot's of friends and family to be there when needed.

































































