As the days get darker, it’s easier and easier to slide into a gloom-and-doom mindset, particularly if you spend too much time online. So it can be helpful to explore some of the good things in life as a reminder that not everything is bad.
The “Heartwarming Stories” Facebook page is dedicated to wholesome, cute and just happy posts. We also got in touch with Charles de Vilmorin, CEO and Co-founder of “Old People Are Cool,” an advocacy group for the elderly to learn more. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to comment your thoughts below.
More info: Facebook | Old People Are Cool
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"This is my step-dad and I. I'm German, and my mother married him when I was 4 years old. He was only 18. He raised me better than my own mother or father did, even through a nasty divorce where he was cheated on by her. Even with all the racism and stereotypes I heard when we were out together, he didn't let it faze him and proudly proclaimed me as his daughter. Thankfully he is still there for me when I need him"
"I have a confession to make. I would not know Jon Bor Jovi if he walked in this building. I cannot name a single song he has ever recorded. It's not that I don't like him or his music, I have just never really been exposed to it. This superstar is washing dishes at one of his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants that feed the homeless. They're still cooking. Still making food for those in need during these uncertain times. And instead of disappearing to wait out the pandemic in a fancy penthouse somewhere, Jon Bon Jovi is showing up to be a dishwasher. Now THAT's what it means to be a rock star."
Bored Panda got in touch with Charles de Vilmorin, CEO and Co-founder of “Old People Are Cool,” an organization dedicated to changing the way people see the elderly. First and foremost, we wanted to hear if there was a story behind him creating the group.
“Yes! I was meeting with a professor in New Hampshire and saw these 4 words graffiti on a wall; driving back I thought I had seen something awesome that day. I printed stickers and handed them out at a Senior Living trade show where we were exhibiting. People were rushing to get them and we started having amazing conversations. This has then led to the start of the Old People Are Cool campaign to fight ageism.”
Indiana construction worker Jason Haney hid a giant "Where's Waldo" cutout all over his work site for the children in a nearby hospital to find. Once he received word that they'd found him, he moved Waldo to a new location so they could start looking for him again.
"Anthony Borges who used his body to hola his class door shut from a gunman, protecting his 20 classmates whilst being shot through the door five times. Fortunately he survived and has made a complete recovery"
Parents listen to their son's transplanted heart beat in the chest of the recipient of his gift. There is only one race. The human race.
Naturally, we were then interested to learn more about ageism and general misconceptions about the elderly. So we asked Charles to give some examples of what many people misunderstand or get wrong about older folks. For example “They aren't happy, it's the reverse, see the happiness curve,” he suggested.
This goose used her wings to protect an abandoned puppy from the cold. The puppy was shivering so she folded her wings around this baby & moved him closer to her so he could benefit from her body warmth. Puppy stopped shivering & went to sleep
"Noah Woods, a five-year-old Georgia boy, awoke to flames in the bedroom. He jumped out of bed, grabbed his two-year-old sister, and got out of the house through an open window. He then went back in to get the family dog and pulled it to safety. He will be recognized as an Honorary Bartow County Firefighter and presented with a Life-saving award."
This refers to the idea that, for most people, their 40s tend to be their most unhappy years, while joy actually increases as the person gets older. This doesn’t necessarily mean an actually higher quality of life, just the self-perception of happiness. You can think of it as a U-shaped curve, with high happiness at the start and at the end.
A man named Dale Schroeder grew up poor in lowa, never married, had no children, and worked as a carpenter at the same company for 67 years and only owned two jeans. He spent his life savings to send 33 students to college. Today, the 33 strangers have formed a group and call themselves "Dale's kids." Comprised of doctors, teachers and therapists, they honor Schroeder for changing their lives.
An 83-year-old retired Marine kept the promise he made to his friend while in a bunker in Vietnam, and stood guard one last time.
I'm glad that they were both able to make it out of that bunker alive.
Other misconceptions Charles shared: “They have great physical and cognitive decline - While some physical and cognitive changes are normal with aging, many older adults remain physically active and mentally sharp well into their later years. They are not resistant to change.”
The escalator scared the 83 yr old stranger at the mall. The 23 year old noticed & said I'll take you down...
“They are not productive - Some of the great inventors, entrepreneurs and contributors to society produced their best work in later ages. They bring valuable experience, wisdom, and skills to the workforce and volunteer activities, making significant contributions to their communities.”
A family in Mississippi lost everything in a tornado on Friday. The next day, they went back to see their cat sitting on the pile that used to be their home, waiting for them.
This planet does not deserve the likes of Ms. Dolly, who is a genuinely big-hearted and amazing human being 💗
"This old woman uses a marionette of herself to feed squirrels in the park"
“They don't have sex and relationships - this is not true,” he shared. “They are all the same - they are as diverse as any other segment of the population. They are a burden on Society: Some may use more healthcare services, many contribute economically and socially through work, volunteering, and caregiving.”
There were a group of characters dressed as superheroes at a local costume shop. This young boy, who uses a walker, did his best to walk and approach Superman and simply just said "Thank you". Even Superman started to cry.
So we also asked him to detail some of the impacts of discriminating against the elderly. “Ageism, which involves discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, poses several problems: a negative Impact on health - negative age belief is known to reduce health span by 7.5 years. It can lead to employment discrimination, healthcare inequities, social isolation and a negative self-perception.”
Private Kevin Elliot was k**led fighting in Afghanistan. His friend Barry and him made a promise that if one of them died, they'd wear a bright green dress to the other ones' funeral. Barry stayed true to that promise
HOW. That is awesome. Such amazing talent. Lets here it for Eli!
He waited 2 years at a hospital for a heart transplant. Now he's a Cardiology Fellow at the same hospital
So we wanted to know in his opinion what made people special. “TBH, I think this question is ageist - I think old people are not special, they're just old which is a great thing. If there is ONE criticism of the Old People Are Cool message is that it implies that old people are cooler than others which is not the case. It's a bit like saying Black Lives Matters: of course, all lives matter but the message is to enforce and support a discriminated population.
"17 years ago my wife and I sat in a room and were told by a Dr that our 11 year old son had an incurable brain tumour that he wouldn't survive. Today we saw him get married, he's the best person I know I'm I so very proud to still have him"
Thanks to Internet popularity, the kid from the "Success Kid meme" made enough money to fund his Dad's kidney transplant
Lastly, we wanted to know if he had any final thoughts. “Aging is a beautiful experience because it's part of life. Your future self is as good, or maybe better, than your today's self!” If you are interested in learning more, you can find information at Old People Are Cool.
"This person's daughter died of cancer. Before she died, she made this drawing for him, now he wears it on his skin."
"My Dad is afraid to fly, so when I was 5 yrs old I made him a doll to hold on the plane. Mom just sent me this picture. He is packed to come visit me. The doll is 43 years old!"
What a nice intuitive son/daughter especially at that age you were ! How sweet that he still carries it with him.
Sean Misner, one of the 19 firefighters who lost their lives in Arizona, on his way home. Trucks were on every overpass from Arizona to the Santa Ynez Valley, with firefighters saluting as Misner's wife drove by with his ashes.
"I grew my hair out for 3.5 years to turn into a wig for my gf with alopecia"
"My son has very little experience with babies but wanted to keep trying ways to get her to stop crying. Surprised at the silence I returned to the room to see him bouncing gently on an exercise ball, totally pleased with himself"
It doesn't matter how strong & confident you may appear on the outside. Some days you just need your Pooh Bear
This reminds me of a friend's dog (I'm terrible with breeds, but it's larger than this and not a great dane) who often carries around a support toy. Favourite is Elmo, though I think she is on at least number 3, because she does accidentally destroy them when anxious.
A girl in my geography class had to bring her newborr to class today. The baby started crying in the middle of our quiz. When she took him out to hold him, my professor insisted that he wouldn't mind feeding the baby and rocking his car seat until she was done. This is my so so awesome, sweet professor, on his knees.
When you absolutely REFUSE to give up
"My grandpa when he turned 100, look at his birthday cards!"
Sad shelter dog whose only friend was this elephant toy learns that he and his toy are getting new home
Ten years later?!?! Wow that guy almost aged backwards. Well wishes to y'all .
This happened here in Houston. One of the charges against him was dropped and by the time he made it to sentencing they gave him time served and let him go. What he did was extreme obviously, but he was right when he says the hospital was moving too fast and making decisions without the input of his family (they were even already notifying transplant patients that they had his son's organs lined up for them before they even started the process of removing him from life support). My heart goes out to this man for what he must have been going through emotionally at that time.
Elderly YouTuber writes his subscribers down in a notebook, then thanks them individually
"My dad was admitted to the hospital right before Christmas. We didn't know if he would make it home at all and especially not for Christmas. This is my parents slow dancing to "I'll be home for Christmas" on Christmas Day."
That's Mom, coming to visit. Absolutely. I don't even believe in Heaven or souls. But that's 100% OP's mom visiting. Just taking a peek, making sure her little caterpillar is doing all right :)
Anderly Goes to show how many people are thoughtful and reach out to help others regardless of age gender or ethnicity. Especially good to see how many are men who are happy to show their softer side.
Loved this one. We need feel good moments and this list certainly delivered!
A few years ago, I had surgery and was on crutches. I went to a DD for coffee. A group of teenagers were inside sitting at a table and 1 got up to open the door for me and then carried my coffee to my car. I know a lot of people say kids today are ... But in my experience (I'm also disabled and have mobility issues), there are so many teens who are so kind and helpful. Kids (10-20) have helped me carry or move things at the beach, at stores, pretty much everywhere - kids of every color and economic background are so amazing. I don't expect it or take it for granted, but as a result, I have a lot of faith for our future in their hands.
Strongly agree!!!!!! I can't stand generations ripping on each other - our younger generations are full of wonderful people, as are our older generations! We are all people that had different circumstances and do the best we can with what we have and know at the time. I agree that I have faith they will do good things for our future!
Load More Replies...I have seen a few of these stories before but the stories are so heartwarming that they never get old and always make me teary-eyed.
Robin Williams deserves to be on this list. He always had included in his contract that the studio had to hire a certain number of local homeless folks to work on the film.
A favorite story from my own life involves us being stranded out of state with a flat tire, all of our money gone. We had made it into a convience store parking lot, but had no idea what to do. Turned out that the cashier's husband worked at an auto repair place, and he offered to change the tire for free when he got off work. Then a hooker came by the store, started talking to us, and paid for us dinner and a motel room across the street. I like the story, because it reminds me that doing good isn't limited to just a certain type of person. Anyone can do it.
I swear, if it wasn't for articles/videos/lists like these, I'd have given up a long time ago. It's bracing to be reminded not everyone is a complete waste of DNA & oxygen.
Can't remember the last time I cried so much. The last one did make me laugh, tho'.
Ah just click on the heartwarming stories post.. You'll get warm fuzzies....aaaaaaaaaaand I'm sobbing..
I'm still crying after reading all of these, the I'll be home for Christmas one made me bawl.
All of these are great - except for the BBQ one, which is just plain mean-spirited and hateful.
Do your research, commenters provided the article and only half of the story is true! There was no mention of the neighbors throwing a big a*s BBQ in front of her house! Not sure where BP got that part 🤷🏼♀️
Load More Replies...Anderly Goes to show how many people are thoughtful and reach out to help others regardless of age gender or ethnicity. Especially good to see how many are men who are happy to show their softer side.
Loved this one. We need feel good moments and this list certainly delivered!
A few years ago, I had surgery and was on crutches. I went to a DD for coffee. A group of teenagers were inside sitting at a table and 1 got up to open the door for me and then carried my coffee to my car. I know a lot of people say kids today are ... But in my experience (I'm also disabled and have mobility issues), there are so many teens who are so kind and helpful. Kids (10-20) have helped me carry or move things at the beach, at stores, pretty much everywhere - kids of every color and economic background are so amazing. I don't expect it or take it for granted, but as a result, I have a lot of faith for our future in their hands.
Strongly agree!!!!!! I can't stand generations ripping on each other - our younger generations are full of wonderful people, as are our older generations! We are all people that had different circumstances and do the best we can with what we have and know at the time. I agree that I have faith they will do good things for our future!
Load More Replies...I have seen a few of these stories before but the stories are so heartwarming that they never get old and always make me teary-eyed.
Robin Williams deserves to be on this list. He always had included in his contract that the studio had to hire a certain number of local homeless folks to work on the film.
A favorite story from my own life involves us being stranded out of state with a flat tire, all of our money gone. We had made it into a convience store parking lot, but had no idea what to do. Turned out that the cashier's husband worked at an auto repair place, and he offered to change the tire for free when he got off work. Then a hooker came by the store, started talking to us, and paid for us dinner and a motel room across the street. I like the story, because it reminds me that doing good isn't limited to just a certain type of person. Anyone can do it.
I swear, if it wasn't for articles/videos/lists like these, I'd have given up a long time ago. It's bracing to be reminded not everyone is a complete waste of DNA & oxygen.
Can't remember the last time I cried so much. The last one did make me laugh, tho'.
Ah just click on the heartwarming stories post.. You'll get warm fuzzies....aaaaaaaaaaand I'm sobbing..
I'm still crying after reading all of these, the I'll be home for Christmas one made me bawl.
All of these are great - except for the BBQ one, which is just plain mean-spirited and hateful.
Do your research, commenters provided the article and only half of the story is true! There was no mention of the neighbors throwing a big a*s BBQ in front of her house! Not sure where BP got that part 🤷🏼♀️
Load More Replies...