Audrey Hepburn once said, “I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it” (ElegantWoman.org). This is a common thread amongst all of us, across all cultures, all belief systems, and all personalities. Not everyone is extroverted, bubbly, or even friendly, but we all share an innate desire to have others in our lives. It is the people in our lives, over anything else, that make our lives worth living, and this does not change with increasing age. Nevertheless, many elderly people throughout our country are left neglected. This unfortunate fact has a profound impact on those who have given to humanity throughout their lives, and we have an obligation to care for the people who have given to us, to the best of
…show more content…
Briggs describes the incredible results as a “complete transformation in the presence of the children. Moments before the kids came in, sometimes the people seemed half alive, sometimes asleep.” However, when the preschool was implemented into the facility, “the residents came alive” (Brown). This inspiring result is not the only thing of significance to this story, as Briggs points out. In addition to the immense effect the preschool has had on the elderly residents, it also has had a profound impact on the children, as they see older people light up in their presence, and hear their stories. This reflects a great idea of Briggs, who created the name “Present Perfect” for his film. This illustrative title represents the notion that the moment of interaction between the very old and very young is a fleeting, precious moment. As Brigg points out, while the young have barely any past yet an immense future ahead of them, the elderly have a rich past but little future. The crossroads between these two is the “Present Perfect,” the ephemeral moment in which the young and old can share their thoughts, beliefs, and lives. This short instant of overlap is captured at the Intergenerational Learning Center, and should be captured wherever and whenever else possible, for the best of both sides of this “Present
Briggs describes the incredible results as a “complete transformation in the presence of the children. Moments before the kids came in, sometimes the people seemed half alive, sometimes asleep.” However, when the preschool was implemented into the facility, “the residents came alive” (Brown). This inspiring result is not the only thing of significance to this story, as Briggs points out. In addition to the immense effect the preschool has had on the elderly residents, it also has had a profound impact on the children, as they see older people light up in their presence, and hear their stories. This reflects a great idea of Briggs, who created the name “Present Perfect” for his film. This illustrative title represents the notion that the moment of interaction between the very old and very young is a fleeting, precious moment. As Brigg points out, while the young have barely any past yet an immense future ahead of them, the elderly have a rich past but little future. The crossroads between these two is the “Present Perfect,” the ephemeral moment in which the young and old can share their thoughts, beliefs, and lives. This short instant of overlap is captured at the Intergenerational Learning Center, and should be captured wherever and whenever else possible, for the best of both sides of this “Present