A Chance Encounter on an Airplane

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Shin Min Daily News, 12 Oct 2024, A Chance Encounter on an Airplane (translation)

A while ago, I met an elderly lady on a plane — a vibrant and energetic grandmother. The flight attendant gently held her hand and slowly guided her to the empty seat next to me, kindly reassuring her that once we landed, staff would assist her in disembarking, collecting her luggage, and helping her through customs. I noticed she was traveling alone, so I struck up a conversation with her. She told me that she was nearly 90 years old but still often flew alone for 3.5 hours to visit her children who lived abroad. I was deeply impressed by her independence and strong will.

We had a pleasant conversation, and she smiled brightly, radiating positive energy. She even complimented me on looking young, which made me feel very happy. Her appetite was good; in addition to the mochi and sushi she had packed before the flight, she also finished the meal served on the plane. This elderly lady was not afraid of the long journey; she endured the fatigue just to be with her family and enjoy time with them. She was also very open and eager to chat, which made me reflect on how important family ties and maintaining good social relationships are for the lives of elderly people.

Studies show that social isolation and loneliness are common mental health issues for older adults and are closely linked to depression and anxiety. Research published in 2020 by scholars such as Santini found that social isolation and loneliness are frequent psychological challenges among the elderly and are strongly associated with depression and anxiety.

Elderly people who lack social relationships not only face a higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, but they may also experience cognitive decline. The researchers also pointed out that family bonds and social connections have a significant positive impact on the mental health of older adults. Maintaining close relationships with family, especially interactions with children, not only provides emotional support but also allows elderly people to feel cared for and respected, which helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Stable family ties and positive social relationships help older adults cope better with life’s challenges and maintain an optimistic mindset. A 2017 systematic review by scholars such as Kelly also highlighted that elderly people who actively engage in social activities generally have better memory and decision-making abilities compared to their peers who are less social. Regular social engagement helps preserve brain functions like memory and executive functions, which in turn maintain mental sharpness. It also brings joy and companionship and can even help delay aging and improve psychological resilience.

Meeting this elderly lady made me realise that maintaining family and social connections is not only the foundation of emotional support and joy but also a cornerstone of healthy aging. Despite her age, this grandmother did not stop; instead, she kept in close contact with her family, flying back and forth alone to visit her children, while also actively interacting with those around her, displaying a lively attitude toward life. This experience made me realise that we can all make an effort in our daily lives to engage more with elderly people, offering them support and companionship. In this rapidly changing society, family and friendship are valuable bonds that we should cherish and nurture, as they bring warmth and meaning to our lives.

Shin Min Daily News, 12 Oct 2024, A Chance Encounter on an Airplane