The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed, lets in new light through chinks that time hath made. ~Edmund Waller I recently attended a presentation by HR Moody to the Oregon Gerontological Association on Shaping the Future of Gerontology: Education, Inquiry, and Practice. Dr. Moody portrayed two possible scenarios for the future of aging: The first was dismal, focused on disease and decline—the second, hopeful emphasizing human potential and growth. His role play was humorous; yet tempered with the burden of insight. No one today speaks to this dichotomy of aging with a clearer voice than HR Moody. His treatment of Erickson’s 8th and final
Aging in a Communal Place
When the truth is found to be lies and all the joy within you dies don’t you want somebody to love don’t you need somebody to love… -Jefferson Airplane, 1967 I was reading a story about 91 year old, Jean Stevens from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, who had been aging in place with her husband of 60 years, along with her twin sister June. Nothing unusual here, except for the fact that her loved ones are both deceased. Husband James’s corpse was exhumed shortly after his funeral and strategically settled on the couch in the garage; where it
(photo www.pinewswire.net) One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be. -Oscar Wilde My friend and colleague, Emory Baldwin AIA, sent this thought-provoking piece his father shared with him; after contemplating the merits of institutional living. This will get you thinking about how society treats its “interned.” Subject: Jail vs. Nursing Home Food for thought: Let's put the seniors in jail, and the criminals in a nursing home. This way the seniors would have access to showers,
Aging: The Silent Generation
(photo yellowcard.com) The years teach much which the days never knew. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Stanley Sime passed away at the age of 90, his obituary noted he loved growing flowers and vegetables and sharing them with others. He was also involved in Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop. I first knew Stanley as the man who drove the BIG yellow school bus past my home each night after delivering the children safely to their mothers. He never failed to greet me with a smile and wave as the empty bus rattled
Aging: It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
(photo: wings.avkids.com) “Watching a peaceful death of a human being reminds us of a falling star; one of a million lights in a vast sky that flares up for a brief moment only to disappear into the endless night forever.” -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross I was handed a sympathy card the other day and informed about the death of a coworker’s parent; then asked to write something. Most of us have had this experience; all the “usual” comments have already been written as you search for a spot to add yours. You’re left with the choice of emotional-plagiarism (“thinking