Three Score and Ten, What Then?

A ground breaking novel about a growing social issue.....long-term care; written from a resident's point of view.

As the world celebrates the dawn of a new millennium, Savannah Ashton is celebrating some very special milestones of her own. She is living her life in a third century, and in a few weeks, she will celebrate her one-hundred and third birthday; both are amazing accomplishments. Savannah is pleased that she has been able to make it that far. The rigors of old age have not yet stolen her memories or health, and she is still able to live in her own home; and home is where she hopes to stay to live out her final chapter.

But Savannah's excitement is short lived. A few short months later, an unfortunate accident occurs, leaving her debilitated. She is no longer able to care for herself and must move into a long-term care facility. She finds the transition into the unfamiliar environment somewhat trying, and is faced with some of life's harshest realities. As Savannah states, "Life is different from the inside looking out."

As Savannah approaches her one-hundred and fifth birthday, her family is excited and wish to host a huge party to celebrate the grand occasion. They feel that she is a local celebrity, but Savannah is very apprehensive of the idea. She feels that everything has changed for her since she has become a resident in long-term care. She knows that she has become part of the forgotten generation.

A month before her birthday, Savannah's granddaughter, Beth, stops by for a visit. Beth desperately wants for her grandmother to agree to have a birthday party. She thinks that Savannah has become depressed, and hopes that a party will cheer her up, but Savannah doesn't wish to discuss the idea. Instead, they spend the day together reminiscing and Savannah reveals her life story.

Savannah explains how her parents immigrated to the "Near North" region of Ontario, during the late eighteen hundreds, to take advantage of the Free Land Grant Act. She tells Beth what it was like growing up in a by-gone era, and describes how the "Near North" region was developed and evolved over the course of a century. Savannah speaks about the many changes that she has witnessed during her lifetime, then, she tells Beth what it is like to be living in a long-term care facility. She shares her emotional journey and tells what it has been like to adapt to her new home.