“WORKS Ai Activity Center’s members rescued me.

My former colleague at the children’s welfare rearing center was worried about my condition and introduced WORKS AI Activity Center, an activity center for people with dementia and others, through the comprehensive community care center. 

I participated with a large amount of anxiety. The members still talk about my quite gloomy face, and someone said your face looked as if you had just come from a wake. However, as I continued to attend, I gradually opened up to everyone, shared jokes, and felt the fog in my mind slowly lifting. I am truly grateful that everyone at the center has saved me.

I reaｆfirm that it is not good to spend time in solitude and that it is essential to have conversations and gatherings, which I learned and taught my students at the nursing school.

Regaining rhythm in life.

Right now, going to the center is a small joy for me. Above all, the friendly and frank atmosphere of the center relaxed me.

My family is happy to see my brighter face.

I regained a rhythm in my life by meeting with the members once a week. Now, I can take out the garbage, clean the house, and read books, which are things I have almost forgotten. Moreover, my principal hobby is reading books, and I set a goal to re-read the complete collection of an author that I acquired in my youth. 

Appointed as an Ambassador of Hope for Tokushima

 Last year, Mr. Toyoaki Shimada and I were appointed as “Tokushima Hope Ambassador” by recommendation from the Ai Activity Center members.  I accepted it, hoping it would help others. Someone asked me, “Why are you always in suits when you make a speech? I replied that I wanted to behave appropriately and neatly in public.

Though visiting from place to place is difficult for me due to my age, I will try my best to achieve my ambassador role.

Written by Miyako Goto
Translated by Satoshi Nakano, Noriyo Washizu