Lifelong love is what every relationship strives for, and happy are those who are lucky enough to get it. "Senjoro" employees who provide services to seniors at home not only help in the household, but also notice special stories that are worth perpetuating. One of them is the Makarov couple, who celebrated their 65th anniversary together this year. In order to create more new experiences for seniors, they were invited to a photo shoot.
A senior love story
Senior Galina Makarova begins to tell her love story from her university days, when she started attending the choir:
"We all loved this choir very much, and they also gave us free admission to the disco, which was held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. I remember how the dance floor was sparkling, the lights were on, and the music was playing in the background. We saw a young man sitting in the hall with my friends. And whenever we saw a new face, we asked each other: where did it come from? Is he something new?", says the elderly woman.
She remembers how an unknown young man suddenly approached her and offered to dance. This is how the future Makarovs met.
"He told me that he came to his village for a while, to his home. He lived on one side of the river and I lived on the other. We jumped, he accompanied me home and we agreed to correspond. He left for school and we communicated by writing letters. Only one day I found out from my friend that she promised to get married. I stopped writing him letters. He congratulated me on March 8. I didn't reply to his letter," the elderly woman recalls.
A few months later, Galina's friends invited her to a dance, and during the dance, someone took her by the hand. It was her returned lover. That's how they started dating.
"I remember that he came to work and offered to go to the marriage hall and ask there how to fill out marriage applications correctly. When we got there, the employee asked if we want to get married now, because if not, we will have to wait a long time for the next free place. We decided not to wait. We got married that day," the elderly woman recalls.
A week later, the mother prepared a festive table and invited all relatives of the two for the celebration, the elderly woman shares her memories.
"There was no wedding because there was no white dress. But I put on a light-colored dress, - smiles the elderly woman. - Everyone was happy, rejoiced and celebrated our holiday. We went to many places that month. This to his village, this to mine. That was our honeymoon. And time has passed so quickly that on July 25 of this year we have already lived together for 65 years," the elderly woman marvels.
When asked what the secret of long-term love is, the elderly woman answers: "You have to survive everything. When you get angry, you don't need to run away. Sometimes it's enough to wait, think, think and talk."
Perpetuated a love story
When visiting the elderly, it is important not only to help them in the household, but also to create new memories together, says the head of "Senjoro". According to her, this is one of the reasons for inviting this couple for a photo shoot. She adds that not only a photo session can bring a breath of fresh air into everyday life, but also trying new activities, discovering a new recipe and making friends.
Individuals or families who care for elderly relatives at home can apply for help from the municipality or town hall where they live for social services for their loved ones and themselves. If necessary, seniors can choose the social services of the "Senior" program of the National Institute of Social Integration from optional organizations.