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 turbulenceahead.com) There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. -Sophia Loren In our culture “successful aging” really means no aging at all; which at its deepest-root is the denial of death. Rowe & Kahn wrote an accessible book about the topic based on the MacArthur Foundation Study, with the same title (Successful Aging, 1998). The authors defined successful aging
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
When Aging in Place Works: Step by Step
(photo kenhealthcareja.com) Guest post: I found Sharon's story about the journey to aging in place with her father so practical (step-by-step approach) and compelling, I asked her if I could share it here. Before you place a loved one into a facility, read Dad's House and consider the possibilities. Dad's House By Sharon R. McMurray Our first reaction was “He can’t live alone.” How could he manage without her? She was his companion in the house they bought the year after they married nearly sixty years ago. A typical homemaker from the 50s era, she cooked for him, washed the