The New York Times
Invisible Immigrants, Old and Left With ‘Nobody to Talk To’
By PATRICIA LEIGH BROWN
Published: August 30, 2009
FREMONT, Calif. — They gather five days a week at a mall called the Hub, sitting on concrete planters and sipping thermoses of chai. These elderly immigrants from India are members of an all-male group called The 100 Years Living Club. They talk about crime in nearby Oakland, the cheapest flights to Delhi and how to deal with recalcitrant daughters-in-law.
In New York’s Columbus Park, on the contrary, I have seen great joy among the elderly. They gather there everyday of the year (except on cold and rainy days) and one can feel very sharply how most of them are still enjoying life. It’s amazing to see them singing, dancing and playing board games altogether. Columbus Park is an extraordinary meeting point for all generations. I love this place. Visitors to New York, don’t miss out Columbus Park on your next visit ! It’s my free insider tip to you ! Don’t tell anybody else !
Tags: elderly, immigrants
