My week of getting old: Grainne, 26, Ireland

Before my week of getting old, I didn't really think about ageing and when I did, it scared me a little. I don't like the idea of becoming weaker and getting ill. I just hope I will still have good support from my family and friends.

My week with Nuala though has actually made me worry less! I think Nuala has had a great life and I hope to have a life as fulfilled as hers and feel as happy and supported by my friends and family.

During the week, I found out that we had lots of in common. We both have a similar sense of humour and are positive people. We like to be around people, watching "Frasier" on TV and we're both very interested in music!

Finding things in common

Nuala used to play the piano accordion in a band when she was younger and still plays the organ at church sometimes, and I am currently a singer in a band. In fact, I've been singing for over two years in a two piece band with Kevin, who is my boyfriend and Nuala's grandson. When I asked her what she enjoyed the most about being younger, she replied: "The dances! I loved music, especially country music, and used to regularly attend local dances."

Nuala also loves looking after people and she makes sure to feed everyone who comes to visit her! She won't let you leave the house without either having some dinner, a sandwich, some apple tart or a cup of tea.

Throughout the week, I've been impressed that Nuala is very capable of taking care of herself and doing her own cooking and cleaning. She gets lifts with friends and family to town or anywhere she wants to go.

She has frequent visitors. Every day one or more family members or friends visit for a chat, a cup of tea or dinner or to bring her food and medicines. There is a great sense of community in Ballyfarnon; everyone cares about each other.

I realise that this might not be the case for older people living in developing countries though. I imagine it must be very difficult for them. I think many people must live in horrendous circumstances with very little water, food or safety to help them live normally.

Treat older people with the respect they deserve

Not all stories about ageing are positive, but Nuala's love for life and positivity is admirable and I am delighted to know how happy she is. It is amazing to meet someone who has enjoyed their life so much. I feel Nuala's story sends an important message that people need to hear. People should take a leaf out of her and her family's book and treat older people with the kind of respect and love they deserve.

I still feel that most young people don't fully understand older people or spend as much time with them as they should; which is a shame. I asked Nuala about her opinion of younger people and she said: "I think they're wonderful. I feel for them. I feel sorry for them growing up at the wrong time with the state the nation is in at the moment. I feel very sad about the situation, everything's gone, there's no money anymore."

I would like all older adults to be treated more fairly and equally in society. Not to be cast aside and disregarded but to be respected and supported adequately.

Even though this experience has changed my opinion that all older people are lonely and not fairly treated in society, I still feel that this is the case for a lot of people. On the same subject Nuala said: "If I could change one thing, everyone would be properly looked after and taken care of no matter who they are or where they are."