My week of getting old: Linda, 24, Czech Republic

When I heard that HelpAge's Make it Ageless campaign wanted young people to live with an older person, I was immediately interested as I wanted to learn more about my grandparents‘ generation. 

My grandmother, Květa is 73. She married my grandfather in 1961, but in 1988 he died, leaving her alone. One day though, my grandfather from my father's side, visited her and they fell in love. Now my grandmother and grandfather, Richard who is 80, live together in his house. In 2007, Richard's daughter, my aunt died of cancer and a year later his wife also died. We were extremely worried about him as he was depressed. Fortunately though, he met Květa.

Tea and cookies

When I arrived at my grandparents' house to start my week of getting old, I received a typical welcome - lots of hugs and kisses. We sat in the living room and they gave me tea and cookies. My grandparents are very hospitable and always insist you eat cookies or some fruit. Even if you aren't hungry, they will still give you cookies to take home! 

During the week, we talked a lot and my grandparents said they often browsed photos and cried tears of joy over their happy memories. We talked about what they had learnt in their lives and what they enjoyed doing when they were younger. Richard said: "I travelled a lot, saw many things and met many people, which has given me valuable life experience. I really liked my time working and also going to the pub!"

Květa said: "I've learnt a lot about working with and caring for animals and growing and preparing food throughout my life. I really enjoyed working hard from my childhood onwards. I never had time for hobbies; family relationships were my main concern." 

It was very interesting to listen to them reminisce about their lives. I was glad to be there to listen and I think they were glad they could share their stories with me.

On Wednesday it was my grandmother's birthday, so I gave her a pearl necklace and told her that every woman must have pearls! I'm not sure that she will wear it though. I know my grandmother and this gift will be very precious to her and she will want to protect it.

Governments need to provide proper support for older people

The week also made me think more about what I would change to make things better for older people. For the last three years, as well as studying, I've been working on a telephone helpline at Život90, an older people's organisation and HelpAge Affiliate. Because of this I'm aware of older people's needs and concerns.

I think society should offer some stimulation or activities for older people, not only in big cities but also in smaller towns and villages. There needs to be proper support provided by the government.

The most important thing though is to have friends and family. I think older people in rich and poorer countries can be happy if they have a good network of people around them. I've seen older people with little money who were happy because they had strong, supportive family networks and their health was good. I've also seen older people who are rich but not at all happy. 

We must be prepared for old age

On the last day, we had lunch all together: my parents, grandparents, my boyfriend and me. We had soup, duck with sauerkraut and dumplings followed by coffee with cake. Our family often has a Sunday meal together, but it seems that nowadays families don't come together that much.

For most of my week of getting old, I was very happy because I saw my grandparents and their love for me and each other. It was very nice to see them in love and so happy. I was sad when I saw my grandmother worry about her husband when he was sick. It is horrible to love someone and see them so sick and know that you can't do anything about it.

The experience has changed my views on getting older a bit. I see that old age can be good if you have family, someone to love and something that you can live for. It's sad though that, when you get older, you will lose many of your friends and family. I don't know what my life will be like in old age. I only know that I must prepare for it now.