Very unusually this is the only photo I took today - on my iPhone in Waitrose. You may be thinking it's slightly odd but it's number two in my 'Random acts of kindness series'. Is two photos a series? The gentleman pushing the trolley is 104 years old and the other man is his neighbour who takes him to Waitrose every Monday to buy his groceries. I suspect he keeps a close eye on him the rest of the week as well. He doesn't do any shopping for himself but concentrates on his neighbour and clearly does a check round before they come out because he's got a good idea of what groceries are needed. The ladies in Waitrose are very fond of both of them and make a fuss of the big birthdays.
By chance there has just been a feature on the radio saying that it's estimated that 50% of babies born since 2007 will live to beyond 100. This seems a bit at odds with the obesity crisis and causes me some alarm - although (according to a few very old people I've talked to) one of the hardest things about being old is the loss of your peer group which will clearly be less of an issue. I'm not sure we've got the resources for that degree of longevity - not many 104 year olds go out to the supermarket every week. 99 will do me ;0) Note the salad in my trolley - that's my self-preservation effort!
Three good things:
1. Good people
2. My visit to the hygienist wasn't too traumatic for once
3. House cleaned - ironing to go....
Hey one of your 3 good things should be being able to shop in a Waitrose!! lol Ours is miles away......whenever I visit one my bank card goes into hiding!! This is a dear shot of two wonderful gentlemen.....I love old folk.....I shall be one soon :-))
@humphreyhippo Yes well spotted - by the end of this aisle the salad is very much in the minority (not for me obviously...apart from the mini Malteaser rabbits...)
When I'm 104 I wonder if I'll nip into Waitrose for a loaf of bread and spend £30 each time like I do now? @Cherrill There are some disadvantages to having one on your street. Nice pic of these two friends.
I really like the story behind this shot. Something to warm my heart when the weather is so nasty and Little J. is asleep so she can't warm it herself ;)). 104, that is quite some time ahead of us, isn't it?
crumbs that HH has sharp eyes @humphreyhippo !! we believe you..we all love lettuce really, with loads of olive oil! love the story and shot, its something about Waitrose, its more gentle apart from being more costly!! I love it!!
Gosh what an age to be - I hope I don't last that long. The thought of living another 40 odd years is not something I look forward to unless of course I am absolutely healthy and not dependant upon anyone! Nice shot Judith. It shows that there are people who are willing to help the elderly thank goodness
Such a wonderful capture of these two special shoppers! To be 104 and still visiting the grocery store, AND to have such an amazing 'guardian neighbor' is quite a blessing. This shot is brilliant with the sepia choice and an absolute fav.
Unfortunately, those longevity figures, while a good thing for those they pertain to, are going to cause major governmental budgetary issues...and I don't think the onslaught of an aging population is being given serious consideration by those in politics with out of control spending and rising debt. Didn't mean to be such a Debbie Downer on your fabulous Random Act of Kindness shot...just a thought that popped in my head when I read your narrative regarding expanding lifespans. :)
This is such a great story. So lovely to hear of kind neighbours like this. I must start going to Waitrose again. I had an attack of frugality recently and have switched to Morrisons but I'm not sure you'd bump into as many kindly neighbours with centenarians (is that the right word; I was about to write centurions, but I'm not sure you get many of those in any supermarkets these days!) Morrisons do have samphire though which is a big plus!
@peggysirk No I agree - the news story was saying it's a good thing but we have to plan... But we aren't planning and Alzheimer's research is grinding to a halt under the massive costs of clinical trials. I think the idea is that we don't get a pension till we are 90.... And for every one of these there are 50 in old folks homes (like the one Nigel's mum's in) where there are 'centurions' ;0) who are almost foetal but so well looked after that they don't die!! I'm not advocating abuse of course - but i agree with you we have our fingers in ours ears shouting blah blah blah...
@helenmoss Morrison's has great veg & hedgehog bread and Longley Farm yoghurts!!! I like to nip in when I've walked the dog over there but I still spend too much!
How wonderful. You have captured something really special here, I love seeing acts of kindness and good people - A very heartwarming FAV. You didn't get approached and told not to take photos in the store then? Must just be Clintons!
I love the idea for this series. I'm going to keep my eye out and try to join it. Wonderful story and enjoy your salad so you'll still be around if I am down the road a piece
I like Cherrill have not got a Waitrose near by, such a moving tale hope some one is around when I am 104 Maybe Helen could take me but she would be 85 scary
I have loved scrolling down reading all this discussion on old age & good deeds. Just checked which camera you used too & of course this is where the iphone comes in, can't imagine using the big caamera in here although Waitrose might be more lenient than our Booths!
It is very heart warming to see these two friends , heads together discussing the list...if i had a friend like this i wouldn't mind living to be 104! I keep saying to Harry 'look after yourself' because I hope he is going to look after me in my very old age....Harry come from a very long living family!
Love HH observation on the cake isle!!!!
What a moving story Judith. I hope there's someone around to help me if I ever get to that age. I think I read or heard recently that someone was going to do an act of kindness for a stranger every day for a year. I think that would be quite difficult as you don't always find yourself in that situation - especially if you stay home and clean out cupboards all day!
Very touching. When Mom moved here to senior independent living apartments, she fell the first week and broke a lot of bones in her face and was so self-conscious about her purple-ness...one of her tablemates at dinner said not to worry about, they all fall down. Poignant but sweet.
Politics aside - it's too late in the day to go there - this is a striking shot. Love the sepia tones, adds to the tone of the subject. A fave, Judith.
And lucky you to know these folks who have outlived the odds.
I love your theme and photo, and the discussion in the comments. This is a nice reminder to think of our older neighbors.
I think I wouldn't mind living to that age if I'm that active and with-it, but I know I'd rather just go than be infant-like. The loss of friends and family is a huge issue, so I guess I'd have to have the right community around me.
nice one judith.... such a sweet little shot and a beautiful narrative full of warmth . You are probably breaking some john lewis rule about in store photography , but I's sure they wouldn't mind on this occasion.
Do you have one of those self scan bar code readers in your trolley...that's one of the joys of going to waitrose ....oh and the lovely goodies they have too :)
@judithg it is a malarkey...we once forgot to scan some sea bass from the wet fish counter !!!! Indulging in friendly banter with the fish lady put me off my scanning routine ....We didn't realise until we unpacked at home !!!!!
ah what a lovely story. don't believe any of our age group will make it - reports on the radio talking about alcohol consumption...apparently what we admit to drinking and what supermarket sells has a big void between the figures...they reckon 80% of women have grossly over their weekly limit! Still, we'll all die happy right?
You might have salad in your trolley, but you do look to be in the cake aisle. ;)
Unfortunately, those longevity figures, while a good thing for those they pertain to, are going to cause major governmental budgetary issues...and I don't think the onslaught of an aging population is being given serious consideration by those in politics with out of control spending and rising debt. Didn't mean to be such a Debbie Downer on your fabulous Random Act of Kindness shot...just a thought that popped in my head when I read your narrative regarding expanding lifespans. :)
It is very heart warming to see these two friends , heads together discussing the list...if i had a friend like this i wouldn't mind living to be 104! I keep saying to Harry 'look after yourself' because I hope he is going to look after me in my very old age....Harry come from a very long living family!
Love HH observation on the cake isle!!!!
Shame not meeting up now on Thurs but seemed to be one of those 'people dropping out by the minute' jobs - hopefully April then.
And lucky you to know these folks who have outlived the odds.
I think I wouldn't mind living to that age if I'm that active and with-it, but I know I'd rather just go than be infant-like. The loss of friends and family is a huge issue, so I guess I'd have to have the right community around me.
Do you have one of those self scan bar code readers in your trolley...that's one of the joys of going to waitrose ....oh and the lovely goodies they have too :)
main reason I go - I hate all the unloading and repackage malarkey!