You’re often served by young people at restaurants. But Forget Me Not Cafe in Shanghai is different.
The cafe has eight elderly employees with cognitive impairments (认知障碍) who take turns working with other waiters to help customers.
They often provide basic services for guests, such as pouring water, serving and taking orders.
“The guests are also very tolerant of us, because sometimes we make mistakes,” said Zhu Caiping, one of the elderly employees at the cafe.
Sometimes, they are also invited to take part in welfare activities organized by volunteers, such as baking, dancing and learning English.
“These activities are essential for me. They reactivate my brain,” the 73-year-old said. “What old people like us worry about most is that our brain stagnates (停滞) due to being inactive.”
Because of memory loss, Zhu writes down all the information she wants to remember on sticky notes, such as the names of the volunteers and the teacher as well as English words.
“But I really became happy and confident because of being here,” she said.
In addition to the job opportunities for the elderly, information about cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease is posted on a board outside the restaurant to help people recognize symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Zeng Rong, a co-founder of the restaurant, said the cafe has had a great impact on elderly people with cognitive impairment.
A 58-year-old woman from Jiangsu province, whose husband brings her to the restaurant, is an example.
“When she came here for the first time, she barely said a word and was indifferent. I told her that she must communicate and gave her homework every time with rewards,” Zhu said.
The woman has since come to the restaurant every Friday, and after several months, her condition has improved.
“She started to comment that the food was ‘delicious’ and speak with others. Moreover, she began to hug me every time,” Zhu said.
“Helping more people like us is the purpose ... and what I am eager to do most,” added Zhu.
Inspired by their kindness, many young people like to come and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the shop.
【小题1】What do we know about Forget Me Not Cafe?| A．It serves elderly people alone. |
| B．It helps treat Alzheimer’s disease. |
| C．It hires people with cognitive impairments. |
| D．It often organizes welfare activities. |
| A．To show a rise in cognitive impairment among people. |
| B．To describe how cognitive impairment can affect people. |
| C．To illustrate the popularity of the cafe among the elderly. |
| D．To give an example of how the restaurant makes a difference. |
| A．It is meaningful. | B．It is demanding. |
| C．It is promising. | D．It is exhausting. |
| A．To focus attention on cognitive health. |
| B．To recommend a restaurant in Shanghai. |
| C．To share the story of Forget Me Not Cafe. |
| D．To inform people of cognitive impairment. |
