78-year-old widower explains why you shouldn't conform to the expectations of society

Interacting with people from different walks of life is a great way to broaden our worldly perceptions as we learn their stories. Every individual out there has experienced moments of highs and lows, which have taught them a great deal about life in general. Photographer Christopher Ward—who goes by @modelstrangers on Instagram—recently uploaded a video on his page where he interacted with an elderly gentleman who shared a profound message for everyone.

Ward often asks random strangers on the street for permission to capture their portraits for his portfolio. At times, he also stops for brief conversations with them and they are nothing short of enlightening. In one of his videos documenting these encounters, Ward met an elderly man in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The man, sharply dressed and carrying a few files and notebooks, added a unique charm to the interaction. Ward identifies him as Terry in the caption of the Instagram video.

Ward struck up a quick conversation with Terry, asking for his permission to take a few snaps and explaining how he photographs strangers he finds interesting. As Ward prepared his camera gear, he kept the conversation going, asking Terry about his marital status. "I am widowed, a good long time now, unfortunately," Terry replied. "We were a happy couple." Ward then posed the million-dollar question: "Terry, what's the secret to happiness?" "I think having an active mind, Chris," Terry shared. "I have always been a bit of an explorer in quiet ways. I used to be very shy when I was younger, but I think I am better at dealing with it now."

Terry also shared that he is 78 years old and that everything has started to feel "heavier" for him lately. As Ward began taking Terry's portrait, the gentleman's voiceover played in the background. "You have to find interests of your own that make you happy. Conforming to the expectations of society can be disappointing in the end," Terry shared. "I was never a senior or a distinguished accountant. I just worked and I was a worker. It's a grinding kind of job."

Ward apologized to Terry for being an "inconvenience," but Terry reassured him, saying that he was older and wiser and wouldn’t let anyone inconvenience him. Terry went on to share his life philosophy: finding happiness and being useful to others. However, he advised against pursuing happiness in a purely "hedonistic" way. As the conversation and photo shoot wrapped up, Ward and Terry exchanged a handshake and bid each other goodbye. The video concluded with the portraits of Terry that Ward had taken.

Viewers of Ward's video praised and thanked Terry in the comments for sharing his wisdom. @docsafii commented, "Terry is the type of gentleman who you would never get bored of listening to. Such a soft-spoken and beautiful soul." @itllbe.j.whells wrote, "His voice alone is so soothing. That is a man who has lived life and is still living it with full awareness." @lexi.iht quipped, "He's the kind of person I'd love to sit down with for tea and just listen to his life stories, wisdom and advice." @bokaxet praised, "He looks like he'd be the perfect grandpa to spend the afternoon with, drinking a nice cup of tea together and sharing stories."

You can follow Christopher Ward (@modelstrangers) on Instagram for more videos on street photography and conversations.