What we can all learn from ‘The Great Escaper’ – by Jeremy Sharpe

‘The Great Escaper’, starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson, tells the true story of Bernie Jordan who ‘escapes’ from his seaside care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France.

Its a film that gives a fascinating insight into the lives of many older people, both positive and negative. It gives a powerful sense of how we can all ‘grow old gracefully’ and what we can learn from older generations.

A story of war and romance

In summary, Bernie was in the Royal Navy during in World War II and makes a last-minute decision to travel to France to be a part of the D-Day events. During the ferry crossing, he meets some other veterans and the film follows the story of his early life during the war including the early days of his relationship with his now wife.

There are various sub-plots which highlight the experiences, characteristics and contributions of many older people around us of all ages. The key themes which struck me were:

Invisibility

The film starts with a scene in which Bernie is queueing for a drink and is rudely interrupted by another customer who takes his place. This depiction of older people being seen as ‘less important’ and almost invisible to the rest of society is a pervasive and increasingly common. It needs to be acknowledged and challenged.

Loneliness

As Bernie begins his short ‘adventure’ he knows no-one on the ferry and watches on as groups of veterans sporting their medals enjoy each other’s company and reminisce about the past. It is within this bubble of isolation that some of the most graphic scenes from his life are played out as he recalls his role in the war.

Loneliness can affect people for long periods and also for almost fleeting moments. It is a huge problem in our society and especially affects many older people. One of the key aims of the charity I established, Linking Lives UK, is to address these forms of isolation.

Celebration

But its not all doom and gloom. Bernie and Irene have been happily married for many decades and each has lived through experiences and challenges. A key theme throughout the story is their appreciation of the good times, acknowledgement of the challenges and the celebration of the small and seemingly insignificant moments in their lives.

Being thankful is a counter-cultural attitude today. But its a great quality to develop in ourselves because it is so good for our well-being. We can all learn from the simple thankfulness that exists in many of our elders.

Hidden grief and regret

As Bernie recalls some of the action that he saw in the war, it emerges that he has been ‘holding on’ to feelings of grief, guilt and regret for much of his life without sharing this with any other people. This common pattern is one which is found more often in men as they (we!) are hesitant, or find it difficult, to discuss and share emotions and difficult experiences.

It is for this reason that activities and initiatives such as Men’s Sheds which enable men to meet ‘shoulder to shoulder’ to talk whilst carrying out activities are so crucial.

Experience & Wisdom

Another side to Bernie is that he is able to act as a positive role model and good listener to those around him who are going through tough experiences. In two cases, Bernie is able to use his knowledge to support those facing  personal challenges and he does this with a sense of calmness and real wisdom.

Those of us fortunate enough to have regular contact with older people would do well to seek their wisdom and learn from their many life experiences. The Bible makes many references to the value of older people:

‘Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?’ (Job 12:12)

‘Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.’ (Deuteronomy 32:7)

International Day of Older People

Sunday 1st October marked the International Day of Older People. This was an opportunity for us all to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution that older people bring to our society and also to challenge some of the inequalities that many also face in a world which is increasingly focused on young people and families.

How will you mark it?

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Jeremy Sharpe is the National Director of Linking Lives UK, a national Christian charity working to address loneliness and social isolation across the country. www.linkinglives.uk