Transamazon Regional Hospital is a Love Scene in the Best Age
Mrs. Ana, 80 years old, has an inseparable companion while recovering

Who said it's too late to meet the love of your life? Mrs. Ana Araújo da Silva, 80 years old, can attest to that. The resident of Altamira has been married to Mr. Francisco Albuquerque de Souza, 63, for just over five years. And there’s no bad weather. She was hospitalized to treat a hernia and is awaiting surgery. Mr. Francisco is always by her side, providing the support that the "princess," as he calls her, needs so much.
Want to know how this couple met? Sit down because here comes the story. One day, Mrs. Ana was taking care of the house when she saw the young man passing by on the street. This happened several times. She herself admits that she had been keeping an eye on Mr. Francisco for a while. "I was already used to and liked to see him." When the two had the chance to talk, it was love at first sight. Mrs. Ana was widowed from her second husband, and Mr. Francisco had just separated. Here comes an unusual detail. Mr. Francisco was married to Mrs. Ana's granddaughter. "Everything is fine. It didn't work out with her, then he fell for me," says Mrs. Ana, laughing.

This story, which would make a great movie script, has its nest at the Transamazon Public Regional Hospital (HRPT) in Altamira, southwest of Pará. While the retiree awaits surgery, her beloved does not leave her side. He is the one who serves water and helps during mealtime. The affection is evident, and there’s always that kiss to make everything even more romantic. "I like her, I love her. Sometimes I need to leave quickly to buy something, but I worry, always calling to check how she is, if she has eaten," he admits.
Being close to those we love is good. For patients, it represents comfort and affection, and when that patient is elderly, having a companion directly contributes to recovery. This is explained by the psychologist at HRPT, Fernanda Lago. "It’s emotional resilience in the face of adverse situations with the process of illness. A dose of affection helps psychologically in treatment," she emphasizes.

Starting a new life together in what is called the best age has become more common than we might imagine. It is estimated that last year there were over 75,000 marriages among people over 60 in Brazil. On this July 25, Grandparents' Day, Alessandra Pompeu, a General Practitioner responsible for 9 patients in this age group, emphasizes that "the elderly who have a family member present have a much greater improvement and even a discharge stimulus." And this stimulus does not have to be a husband or wife.
As we already know, Mrs. Ana's inseparable companion in the hospital is Mr. Francisco. Mrs. Geralda has her granddaughter's affection that she needs while recovering. "It's good because we feel better," says the retiree. "I’m always here with grandma to take care of her," replies Fernanda Eduarda, the granddaughter.
Whether it’s the partner you met and married, or the granddaughter who is always nearby to help, there’s no doubt that our grandparents deserve attention, and when they are ill, we can be part of the medicine they need. "Speaking of Grandparents' Day, we have situations where young grandchildren come to visit. For grandparents, it’s a blessing," concludes Dr. Alessandra Pompeu.
Text: Rômulo D'Castro