What Happened When I Spent an Hour at an Assisted Living Center

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness end up changing you just as much as the people you’re hoping to bless.

This summer I am spreading joy by doing a random act of kindness each week and inviting you to do it with me. Here is the list of ideas and what is still to come this summer. This week’s challenge was to take flowers to the elderly. So I showed up at the assisted living center around the corner from the radio station with my arms full of flowers and I left with my heart so much fuller than when I walked in. Here are three things I took away from the experience.

1. The older generation is full of wisdom… and they’re a lot of fun.

One of my favorite conversations was with John and his wife, Miriam. Miriam leads the weekly Bible study at the center, helping residents grow deeper in their faith. John used to work in Christian radio in Michigan, so we instantly had plenty to talk about. They had us laughing the whole time—and it turns out they’re WayFM listeners!

John shared that he goes to kidney dialysis three times a week, but since moving into assisted living with Miriam, he’s been getting stronger. Before we left, I asked them the secret to a long and happy marriage. Their answer was simple but powerful: Don’t try to win the argument. Try to understand your partner.

That’s wisdom worth holding onto.

2. So many elderly people feel forgotten.

This was the part that stuck with me the most.

One woman smiled and told me it had been forever since anyone had given her a rose. Another quietly shared that they don’t get many visitors because people often forget they’re there.

One gentleman accepted a flower with tears in his eyes because he planned to take it to his wife, who is currently in the hospital.

Then there was a sweet woman who held my hand while we talked and simply didn’t want to let go. You could tell that the conversation—and just having someone there with her—meant more than the flower itself.

It reminded me that sometimes the greatest gift we can give isn’t something we buy. It’s our time, our attention, and our presence.

3. Bringing joy to someone else has a way of bringing joy to you, too.

I honestly laughed so much more than I expected that day.

There’s something beautiful about seeing someone’s face light up when they realize they’re seen and loved. And the funny thing is, that joy has a way of spilling right back onto you.

Several residents even asked why we were there. It opened the door to share about the hope we’ve found in Jesus and why His love compels us to love others.

I showed up thinking I was delivering flowers, but I left realizing I’d received a gift, too.

If you have an elderly neighbor, grandparent, or someone in an assisted living community nearby, consider stopping by for a visit. You may brighten their day—but don’t be surprised if they end up brightening yours.