Old age
burden or
blessing
by Sara Hinds
Editor's note-This is the last in a series of articles on the
problems of the aging and the way society deals with them.
George is an old man. He feels like a burden when he lives
with his children and their families. He doesn't understand
their ways at times. A heart condition prevents him from
keeping his own apartment. He has outlived his wife and many
of his friends.
George is only one of the 20 million aged in this
country. George is also one of the five per cent of those over
65 who live in institutions.
Nationally, says Time Magazine, "The new growth industry
of nursing homes provides more beds than hospitals." Clark
Moustakas in his bood. Loneliness, says rest or nursing homes
often only isolate the aged in their private rooms, intensifying
alienation and loneliness.
Despite such statistics and statements, residents at re;t
homes in Lincoln seemed quite happy, and spoke
optimistically about their living situation.
At Clark Jeary Memorial Manor one man simply said: "Old
people have to have a place to get away. It is not like the
Waldorf Astoria, but we like it here."
Many people in rest homes said they had been in nursing
homes before. In a rest home, patients are under the authority
and care of doctors and nurses. By contrast, at a rest home the
elderly are close to an infirmary but take care of themselves.
"It's depressing in a nursing home," Clyde said. "In a rest
home, men and women are more concerned about their
personal appearance. It's much happier to be in a rest home."
Watching television, sewing a quilt or reading magazines and
books keeps Maggie busy during the day.
Another man spends his time writing the history of his
hometown.
"I subscribe to a lot of magazines and enjoy reading them.
Don't forget, I keep up with the times too," an elderly woman
said.
Many rest homes plan activities for residents. Bingo and
church group performances were among the favorites.
However, some rest home residents said they just want to
be left alone.
"I don't like to go out of my room very much," one
woman said.
Many elderly people simply did not want to be interviewed.
Others gave the impression they really needed friends and
companions to talk to.
"It can get lonely in your room. But it's much more lonely
living by yourself. Here you have friends, nearby if you need
them," one man said.
"Like anywhere else, some people make friends and others
don't," he continued. "It all depends on your outlook, why
you are here and what you do with yourself."
One lady commented, "I don't want to say anything bad
about this rest home. After all, I'm happy here, and where else
would I go?"
All-University Fund will
hold interviews for chairman
and assistants at 6:30 Tuesday
in the Nebraska Union.
Applications may be obtained
on the bulletin board outside
of the north conference room.
The Amateur Radio Club
will meet at 7:30 Wednesday in
302 Bancroft.
The Housing Policy
Committee will meet at 8:30
a.m. Tuesday, Selleck meeting
room.
UNL Chancellor James
Zumberge will be introduced
and speak briefly at the UNL
Faculty Senate meeting, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Love Library
auditorium.
The Union Program Council
will hold interviews for Black
Activities Committee chairman
at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Applications may be obtained
in 128 Union.
The ASUN Reorganization .
Committee will hold an open
hearing in the Union, Tuesday,
3:30 p.m. The committee is
attempting to get constructive
comments from campus
interests concerning all aspects
of reorganization: alternatives
to the present funding
structure, reapportionment,
salaries, the role of ASUN and
its relationship to other
student organizations.
UNL Chancellor James
Zumberge will present a lecture
"The Origin of Lake Superior"
at the Geology Club meeting, 7
p.m. Thursday, 430 Morrill
Hall.
Students interested in
registering for the first year
Reserve Officsr Training
Course (ROTC) course can
make arrangements by
contacting Capt. Jack Vincent,
108 Military and Navel Science
Building, before Friday.
Anyone interested in
becoming a member of or
working with the Student
Health Center Advisory Board
may contact Jonette Beaver,
477-4241.
KRNU (90.3) will broadcast
Verdi's Rigoletto live from the
Metropolitan Opera in New
York at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Any organizations
interested in participating in a
second semester activities mart
should contact the Union
Program Council office .
UNL speech professor dies
Funeral services for John Thurber, professor in the
department of speech and dramatic arts, were Saturday at
Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Thurber, who died Thursday at the age of 42, attended
Norfolk Junior College before graduating from UNL. He
earned a master's degree at UNL in 1957 and a Ph.D. at
Michigan State in 1965.
He was an, instructor at UNL from 1962 until 1966 when
he was named a full professor.
Thurber is survived by his wife, Nadine; sons, John D.,
Robert C, Mark H and James G., all at home; and a sister,
Mrs. Harlan Heath, Missouri Valley, Iowa.
tuedoij
RETfcUCTUfclAJG
COMMITTEE.
M SIM
sir
.feb&O.unSn
poied
rAUM iutemin& to rouy
who's 1
m!J if H-Ss
iitw Salon
Mr Bob Udl will be in our Salon every
day except Wednesday and invites his
customers to come in or call for an appointment.
Mr DcrO -recently returned from Las
Vegas, and likes to work with long hair.
fill". Berry -just returned from Advanced
Hair Styling classes in New York. He likes
the bouncy, curly, gypsy styles.
Miss
UOftnS likes the short, shag styles.
And of course our regular staff members - Mr.
Monte, Miss Betty, Miss Joann, Miss Kelley,
Miss Patti, Miss Shirley and our Electrologist,
Miss Pierce. We invite you to come In for
consultation or call for an appointment.
Beauty Salon, Third Floor
Welcome back students! When
you're shopping downtown,
remember to park your wheels
in Hov's Bike Racks, at our
front door and in
Rampark Lane.
'MM.
A flO
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1972
THE DAILY NEBRASKAN
PAGE 3