Man with dementia forms special bond with kids

For many seniors, the golden years are the loneliest. But not for the man you're about to meet. He makes new friends every day. Here's CBS News' Steve Hartman, with tonight's "On the Road."
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[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

He must've had a good childhood with friends, just the way he interacts with those kids. Look at the smile on his face when he gets to go out and play. Remember how much fun it was being a kid. Far better than adult life.

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

I used to live in Baton Rouge off Sherwood Forest BLVD, man do i miss the LA accent.

[@lucydean4028]

My grandfather was from LA. So many things remind me of him, but most of all is that accent!

[@RHTeebs]

It's such a shame that people lose their memory over time. My grandfather has dementia. He calls me Boris (my older brother) even though he died 7 years ago.

[@wendinunez1604]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm so very hopeful we catch up with the science of it and can treat it soon!!

[@annieportier3584]

Calling you Boris only means that he recognizes that you belong to the family! It's a badge of honor!

[@KitEKat-io9vu]

This is such an adorable story! He's teaching those children a valuable lesson. My dad(coincidentally named Gene)had Alzheimer's and became very social as the disease progressed.

[@edstevens6839]

My grandaddy had Alzheimer's which killed me because I was his caregiver on top of a volunteer firefighter. He passed away 2 days after my grandma.

[@KitEKat-io9vu]

@@edstevens6839 I'm sorry to hear that, Ed. Being a caregiver and a first responder must have been terribly difficult. May I ask the official cause of their deaths?

[@edstevens6839]

@@KitEKat-io9vu My grandma had a heart attack (which occurred while I was on a fire scene. I'm calling my grandaddy's death "Heartbreak". Prior to my grandaddy's Alzheimer's diagnosis, he and I were joint caregiver's for my grandma who had a pacemaker and required to sit in front of an Air conditioning unit. I live in Pennsylvania and even in the middle of winter, we had her in a room with an AC.

[@KitEKat-io9vu]

@@edstevens6839 I see. I would think that dealing with broken heart syndrome is much harder for Alzheimer's patients. I hope that you don't blame yourself for what happened to them.

[@edstevens6839]

@@KitEKat-io9vu Not as much as not actually being with them when they took their last breaths. To add insult to injury, my family wanted absolutely nothing to do with them and, despite what the ME's report detailed, my family tried to have me prosecuted.

[@MYChemicalLyrics]

In a time where all news seems bleak, I needed this. Thank you.

[@jhan3894]

Me too. This is what America is all about.

[@clivemason-ms8ju]

It is heartwarming that in his senior years this gentleman has found happiness with those children. Wonderful story.

[@danickale8469]

“Everyone responds to love...”. So beautiful. ❤️

[@nursemedic17]

This made me cry, good tears though. For the first time in months. Warmed my heart. One question to the 1 person who hit dislike. What is wrong with you? BE WELL ALL! :)

[@sengwietjhin1844]

🙏

[@edwillett1358]

Dear Steve, What a great story, I cried, not from sadness, it is a warm and comforting story. Thank for writing it. 73 Ed

[@aracelipolendosandoval6767]

That Steve Hartman....boy oh boy he always gets me.

[@tomillakockingbird1754]

Mr.t Hartman, during these especially difficult times in our nation, your job must be particularly gratifying to you. Please know that the stories that we watch from you each week give us hope and the certainty that there are still good people out there. Thanks again for the end-of-the-week spirit-lifter.

[@karendouglas1688]

Kids really do help make the elderly come to life

[@archangel1221]

Bless this kind man…. And those great kids who bond with him.

[@timothyhowell7047]

I remember one Steve's segments from a few years ago with lady who's husband had alzheimer's and she said " the brain may forget, but the heart doesn't"!!! This reminded me of that. He doesn't know why, but he knows he's gotta outside everyday for a reason. No matter matter how big and burley and tattooed you think you are,, like myself,, Steve knows how to pull the heart strings.

[@Darci3333]

What an awesome thing to do for this wonderful man. That makes his life so much more better and happier. Love this💜💜💜💜

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

So beautiful! Love always remembers. Hearts never forget!

[@kristenkaz3080]

Isn’t it interesting that the mind forgets, but the hearts always remembers. God bless & keep you, Gene.

[@candycanenee]

There's an Australian and UK show like this. Kindergartners visiting care homes as part of a program. It's so heartwarming cos it has actual positive physical and mental effects for the old people

[@desolatesurfer8651]

We should all have it this good. Lucky kids. Share the love.

[@dexxtur]

The sweetest thing!

[@namztord4446]

Brought a smile and year to my ears

[@alexmcdowell8868]

grandpas and grandma are the best they always make you smile

[@monicadomingovasquez6620]

God bless him

[@KayJay79]

"Everybody responds to love!" ❤

[@trdbrd6958]

This is the best story Steve has ever done great job

[@gregorytaylor1954]

A lesson for all of us.

[@Saheer20]

So great thank you mr Steve and my thanks Ms Norah like always be

[@carlosbarillas5328]

Is so good to forget daily like a new sunrise have a chance to better person a blessing

[@weihongli9615]

We say, extending your love to all elders if you love elders in your own house, extending your love to all children if you love your own kids. 🌷

[@karlkalweit6214]

this clip lights me up god bless those kids seniors get so lonely and kids love seniors

[@kedrick71]

This is a beautiful story

[@c.torres5400]

Beautiful, just beautiful

[@lindstheteacher1611]

Poor man, God bless him.

[@chvid2009]

What sweet neighbors!

[@mrdookiepotpie]

BEAUTIFUL

[@SeanQuinn-rf7rq]

Love ya Mr. Gene.

[@Dr.Aqueous]

Beautiful

[@JC-2K]

*Special Bond*

[@gail-sw9xg]

Please, please install a hand rail on those steps!!

[@BulletAgario]

Finally a story I like

[@penisdeletus4601]

Nice

[@angelacarter2974]

Awww

[@georgialee3432]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@leahsmith8363]

I’ve seen you on Facebook oh my goodness :,)

[@pjseebach]

2026: man with dementia sees kids he played with 5 years ago

[@lexirose572]

"Pizzahut pizza is the pizza for you and me"😂

[@jordanviss8345]

I feel so bad when people get hit by this disease I'll pray ❤🌹🎉🎉💖❤🌹🎉💖💖💖💕💕💕💕.

[@onlythewise1]

sucks to get old , kids make it better

[@Shivam-5]

Hi you know what if you want to be happy in life you shouldn't have good memory ☺️

[@amaanessa1615]

Video title is a bit sus if you ask me

[@deborahdufel1664]

Megan is a gift

[@Oldmangamess]

The words that scared me was Man, Special bond, and kids

[@noconnection1839]

😂

[@mesropmadzharyan6727]

Dislikes really come on people that’s what’s wrong with Humans so much hate .

[@mewebtoob]

Thought it was a vid about Baidong.

[@ScottandTera]

She has a tik-tok

[@varunvadhera1744]

What is it

[@26longlongtime]

Oh its not about Biden?

[@dagmastr12]

That is how our new president will heal the nation with dementia.

[@alataras4234]

From President Biden . ……..…../´¯/)………… (\¯`\ …………/….//……….. …\\….\ ………../….//………… ….\\….\ …../´¯/…./´¯\………../¯ `\….\¯`\ .././…/…./…./.|_……_| .\….\….\…\.\.. (.(….(….(…./.)..)..(..(. \….)….)….)… ) .\…………….\/…/….\. ..\/……………./ ..\…………….. /……..\……………..…/ ….\…………..(…………)……………./

[@northernpride16]

Wooo woooo all aboard to the bandwagon 🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂

[@Luchnia]

I saw the title and thought this was about Biden, but instead it was about someone else.

[@tommymanning8075]

😂😂😂

[@My2CentsYall]

F that not my daddy...i would not let him near those kids in a pandemic. I rather he go to a senior care center for socialization you dont even have to dive them because of senior mobility.... Oh wait this is Louisiana never mind.

[@kengunn100]

I thought this was a Biden campaign ad.......lol

[@vinniebotz]

I thought this was a Biden story.

[@rp70510]

Or elected president has dementia too. but I don't think it's a good idea. Let him loose around kids.

[@robboyte1101]

He will be. It's called the U.S. Congress. ;)

[@Andres64B]

Do you need a whaaaambulance?

[@rp70510]

@@Andres64B Hey, I said elected. Because our sitting president. Wi'll stay there 4 more years.

[@Andres64B]

@@rp70510 Care to make a bet on that?

[@tacosdecabeza]

@@rp70510 Yo i don't get into polotics but i have been hearing around that joe won. Or am i being misinformed?

[@c.torres5400]

Beautiful, just beautiful