Many Americans will recall the dark days of World War II. One of the brightest hopes that most of us shared at that time was a concept we called "The Four Freedoms" - freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech and freedom of worship. Norman Rockwell did a series of paintings on this subject, which are among his best known works.
Almost 60 years later, many of us who are members of the Texas Masonic Family, are looking for similar freedoms, although we might today refer to these as "The Four Needs."
As we age, our world becomes steadily smaller, our home, possessions, family size (empty nesters) and all too often, even our bank accounts. Our psycho/social needs become all too obvious- a sense of self-confidence, self-worth, freedom from fear and worry, and, very importantly, a sense of belonging. These four needs might be referred to as "quality-of-life basics." Yet, more and more older persons find these needs hard to satisfy. Let's look at some reasons why this is true.
Today, the potential life span of an older person in the United States is from 90+ years. But, the traditional support systems are not there. More and more, surrogate sons and daughters staff members from our nation's nursing centers and retirement communities - are the primary support available.
As a result, today's senior citizens, especially those living alone, are often fearful of their environments. Most worry about how they will meet small and major crises typical of day-to-day living in our complex world. Many need reinforcement of their self-confidence when buffeted by an inability to deal with problems that, at an earlier age, seemed small. Others feel a loss of self-worth as they retire from a self-satisfying career, leaving them with no reasonable alternative for the use of their time. With time, they can experience a frustrating search among the debris of their earlier lifestyle for a sense of belonging - for something or someone.
Self-confidence, and even self-worth, are increased if an individual is in control of his environment. By control, I'm referring to the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, where personal space and privacy are available.
Freedom from fear and
worry, another of the four needs, is hard to achieve within the limits
of the physical environment. Fear and worry may have an economic basis.
Health problems may grow. As we age, we may become more fearful of our
immediate environment.
The
Texas Masonic Retirement Center offers the added protection afforded by
group living. Adequate security is provided at points of entrance. Next
door or across the hall, neighbors monitor each other's comings and goings,
offering assistance when needed or, calling appropriate staff to respond
when concern arises. Emergency call systems are in place within the rooms
and bathrooms and in the halls. This system offers assistance 24 hours
a day.
For many of us, living alone, while it has some compensations, is not fun. The Texas Masonic Retirement Center is designed to include space and services that allow a maximum amount of social interaction, which builds a sense of belonging.
Some fifty years ago,
the four freedoms served a rallying cry for a country threatened by a
suicidal battle of nations. Today, the four needs could be seen as a similar
rallying cry for our Texas Masonic Retirement Center. The Center has developed
settings and programs that provide the Texas Masonic Family with a sense
of self-confidence, worth, freedom from fear and worry, and a sense of
belonging.