We are living in a world seemingly dominated by division: politically, economically, physically, socially. In my work as a geriatric medicine fellow, I see how much these divisions have affected the daily lives of my patients, their families, and caregivers. It can be so easy to overgeneralize and rely on stereotypes, especially in encounters charged with anger and frustration. It is in those moments I remind myself these individuals may be experiencing the worst times of their lives, often in complex situations with no simple solutions. Our differences make us unique, and through respectful sharing we can learn from each other to overcome adversity. Through breaking bias, and relying on compassion and empathy, we can make meaningful connections, find hope, and move forward.
