Kids don't care if you're old....only if you're FUN!

"Maria Sanchez lived in a low-income housing community where older adults resided alongside younger adults with disabilities, and families with small children.
When she first moved there, she was afraid that the noise and activity of the children would be too much for her.  But over time, as her friendship with Billy grew, she noticed that her arthritis pained her the least on the days she spent a lot of time with him."

80 year old Maria tells us this in her own words...
"When I get to feeling blue, my neighbor boy Billy is the best company there is.
He's five.
We sit out on the curb and play with the ants.
We don't kill them, we just give them a little trouble getting back to their nest.
We pile up twigs, or put a big shoe in the way.
Billy always knows how I'm feeling, without my saying a word.
He doesn't notice I'm an old lady, except for when it's time to get me back on my feet.
Then it's a real production.
First, I have to roll over onto the grass.
Once I get myself onto my hands and knees, he helps me haul myself up the rest of the way.
I moan and groan and put on a good show.
He thinks it's great!
By that time, I'm usually feeling pretty great, too."