#oldpeople'shomeforteenagers #intergenerationalrelationships #agedcare #loneliness
When Ken turned 94 earlier this year, he received a birthday card from a new friend that he described as "magic." This article was young man whom he met in a social experiment and whom he now considers close friend. The card's author, 16-year-old Louis, bonded with Ken over pain and loss the nation watched during first series of Old People's Home For Teenagers. Louis told Ken, a former Marine, how losing his father to cancer in 2019 made him feel different at school because he was the only one without a father. Ken's heartfelt response was to share his own experience of loss, explaining that his mother in childbirth and that he, too, grew up without a father. Although cameras stopped rolling on the series more than a year ago, the duo's friendship continued off-screen. "I found a real friend in the show and I think it's a great experiment and something we need to normalize," Louis said. “I usually try to see him every weekend. “Sometimes it can be a little longer than that, but never longer than two weeks.” Louis says he enjoys helping Ken in his garden or around the house. Friends don't do anything flashy when they spend time together, but their closeness provides plenty of time to talk. “We can go out to lunch or have lunch here or get pizza,” Ken said. "We could do some work in the garden." Louis said he gave Ken an extra helping hand and was "pretty standoffish" when he called to see him. "We just talk, I water the orchids and walk your dog," she said. "You don't have to go out of your way or get on a boat or anything. It's really nice to help him in the garden and around the house. “Something about the ordinariness of this place feels like home.” A renewed purpose in life While appreciation for each other's friendship is clear, Ken was especially touched by the birthday card Louis wrote for him last July. The card, which Louis said he was happy to share, read "Ken, in the short time I have known you you have profoundly influenced my attitude and perception of life. "You are my role model and no matter what career path I choose, I will always follow your example of discipline and optimism. It applies to everything I encounter in my life. Ken says his friendship with Louis showed him that life can have purpose at any age. Ken said never thought he would inspire a young man the way inspired Louis. “To me, it's just magic,” he said. “This shows me that one can pursue a true purpose in life at any age.” Ken said the main lesson he learned from participating in the social experiment was that he didn't need to feel limited because of his age. "Even though I'm 94 and my health isn't great, I can still enjoy life. And there's something there for us old people, too," he said. Louis says he learns something from Ken every time they meet. Louis is pleased that Ken knows how much he is valued and how much he values the wisdom and life advice K
