Nursing Home by Hayes Davis: Exploring the Theme of Aging and Cherished Moments

Based on the excerpts provided regarding aging, the challenges faced by the elderly, and the thematic elements of the poem 'Nursing Home' by Hayes Davis, the statement that best expresses the theme is likely (a) Age and illness have the ability to affect our most cherished moments. This reflects the tone of loss and change experienced in old age as depicted in the poem and additional text.

It captures the essence of how aging can alter the dynamics of care and relationship within families, and it is intertwined with the concepts of dependency, loneliness, and the struggle for dignity. Ageism and stereotypes about the elderly, as well as the societal shift from caring for aging relatives at home to institutionalizing them, also support the notion that aging impacts treasured experiences.

The biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging can significantly affect individuals and their families, emphasizing how much loved experiences and relationships transform as we age.