Locating the challenge

Some of the questions we explore here at the Fremont Street Center for Healthy Aging are practical. (How do we find the mouse in the refrigerator? Where can we find socks that don't use elastic thread?) Some are philosophic. (All the staff at the Center are in the process of aging, so technically, aren't we all studying each other?)

Each staff researcher brings his or her own research goals to the Center. Dennis is interested in family structure, and his specialty is the dinner hour. Margaret focuses on occupational therapy. Marcie is interested in nutrition, and she keeps an eye on what we shop for and eat. I'm interested in keeping track of what makes it all work. My question is: Why should we consider caring for an elderly person so daunting, when caring for a toddler, who likewise cannot speak clearly, think clearly, or use the toilet with 100% accuracy, is considered easy?

Is it the elderly person who is the challenge, or is it something inside the people caring for the elderly person - some shift in perception - that is the challenge. The actual work of changing diapers, providing meals and engaging in repetitive conversation is the same is both instances.