I was a bit skeptical when I stumbled upon this film on Netflix. A documentary made several years ago by some college kid who takes up residence in an old folks home for a month? How insightful and meaningful could it be? Well, happily I was wrong, and I found this simple yet powerful documentary, Andrew Jenks, Room 335 quite touching.
As anyone knows who has ever stepped foot inside a senior care facility before, there are so many wonderful characters just waiting to have their stories told. I saw bits of my mom and others I have known and lost in the residents at Harbor Place. I’m sure you will too.
There are a couple of big takeaways from the film. First, just because people are old or in poor health doesn’t mean they have lost their personalities or their humanity. They should not be forgotten or shut away by society. That brings me to the other big message in the film, which is that seniors are lonely. I know this all too well with my mom. It was sweet yet sad how excited the residents were to have this young man to talk to for a month. That need for human connection is strong and so many of these residents are just wasting away, their insights and memories dying with them.
So definitely worth a watch (keep the tissues handy!) It is nice to see the younger generation take an interest in the welfare of the older generations, I hope that is a trend that continues to grow.
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00069]](https://memoriesproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/reluctant-caregiver-cover.jpg)
The Memories Project 
Joy, it really is nice to see a younger generation connect with our older generation. I haven’t seen this film, but your post really makes me want to see it. I agree the deadliest aspect of aging is loneliness. If each person like Andrew could take on one elder as a friend, we’d be a much better society. I’ve always felt so much more comes back to me when I least expect it from these connections, especially with the elderly. Thanks for this post.