Seniors For Living

We often think of the caregiver as the superhero, which is certainly an accurate point of view in most cases. This New York Times article offers a different, though equally valuable, perspective: the senior as the superhero, literally. The photographs of a grandmother in a cape and bodysuit are guaranteed to make you smile.

Writer Judith Graham says this of the photographer and his subject: “This isn’t an ordinary caregiving relationship, not by a long shot. But Sacha [Goldberger], 44 years old and unmarried, is deeply devoted to this spirited older relation who has played the role of Mamika (“my little grandmother,” translated from her native Hungarian) in two of his books and a photography exhibition currently under way in Paris.”

There’s no doubt that the people serving in assisted living, nursing homes and other senior care communities are everyday heroes; though they’re paid for the work, it’s often long hours for low wages, and little training or support is provided. Few would argue that at-home caregivers aren’t doing noble work by caring for their senior parents, spouses, friends or relatives. But it’s wonderful to think of the people they’re serving in a positive light, ascribing superhero status to them rather than simply viewing them as a burden, or as dependent or needy.

Caregivers, tell us about the superhero senior in your life. What inspires you about this individual?