The Dignity of Aging in Spain
How Spain embraces its elders
One of the most beautiful parts of living in Spain is how active older people are.
When I was a kid, my grandparents rarely went anywhere except for the doctor, church, or cemetery. Part of that was the circumstances of their location – rural Kentucky, where a car was needed for nearly every activity away from home. One of my grandmothers never had a driver’s license and relied on family members to ferry her from Point A to Point B.
This didn’t seem unusual as a child because I had nothing to compare it to.
Even as an adult, seeing older adults out and active was more unusual than usual. Sure, you might spot them doing their weekly shopping at the grocery store or Walmart, but in the U.S., older people are a less common sight than in Spain.
No matter your age, when you live in Spain, you are part of the fabric of your community. I see it everywhere: grocery stores, veterinary offices, doctor offices, centro comercials, restaurants, and especially in local parks. It’s incredibly common to see grandparents picking up their grandchildren from school and ensuring they get to their after-school activities.
Older adults are as involved in their communities as the younger ones – perhaps more so. Occasionally, as I’m picking up my dog from the groomer or walking with my husband to rent a bike, a grandfatherly-type will stop me to have a short chat about the weather, our dog, or just to say hello. It’s part of that gentle community connection I’ve written about previously.
When my mom was alive, she was mortified by how Parkinson’s disease and leukemia had ravaged her body. She didn’t want to be seen in public and was often humiliated if someone she knew saw her. I wish she could have experienced this culture that embraces aging and allows its residents to live vibrant lives until the very end. Just a couple of days ago, my husband and I were in a cafe when a man in a wheelchair came in with his son (maybe grandson?), who helped him sit at a table and enjoy his morning in the sunshine with a fresh cup of espresso.
This is one aspect of Spain I very much admire. I told Will not long ago that I hope I can enjoy my golden years like the Spanish do – alive until the very end, ready to dance, eat, and partake of all that life has to offer.