Americans
are living longer. One hundred years ago, average life expectancy for both
women and men was 52 years; fifty years ago, when we were young pups, it was 70.3
years; and today it is the highest ever at 78.8 years.
But
what does this mean for society, our institutions and for us? Robert Butler,
the late physician and gerontologist, described the ramifications of these
demographic changes in his book The Longevity
Revolution. He points out that as a society
we are still operating with many of the same social policies and institutions
that were developed to address the demographic landscape of fifty to a hundred
years ago.
One way
this is illustrated is how society has defined three different stages of human
development: childhood, adolescence and adulthood. We are expected to act a
certain way during these life stages and if not the aberrant behavior is named -
such as the Peter Pan syndrome used to identify an adult who never wants to
grow up.
Now
with this longevity revolution underway, several leaders in the field of aging are
suggesting there now needs to be another stage in life to reflect longer life
expectancy and additional life experiences.
Bill
Thomas, geriatrician and international authority on geriatric medicine, is one
of those leaders. He calls for reimagining the lifecycle, to include a stage of
life called “Elderhood”, which forgoes the values and attitudes of adulthood which
are focused on youthful behavior and activities; and instead reflects the
ongoing strengths, abilities and wisdom of the growing older population. A
stage of life when it’s okay to take life a little bit slower, to take time to
reflect and share the wisdom gained over the years; to engage in those unfulfilled
pursuits; and to connect more with loved ones and the community you live in. A
stage of life “that can be rich, real, deep and meaningful” beyond adulthood - when
you can really live.
Whether
or not you have grown into “Elderhood”, you have an opportunity to share your
stories and life wisdom at the Center through the Oral History Project created
by students from the Wahtonka Community School. Students will interview you about
your life experiences on Tuesdays at 1:00. With your permission, the
conversations are recorded and archived at the community school’s library. There
has been very positive feedback from the folks who have already been
interviewed; and from the students who have learned life lessons from the rich
history they have heard. To share your story, call the Center at 541-296-4788.
I know, Bingo is “just to keep grandma off the streets”,
but playing bingo is fun for all ages. And during the month of April, the
Center’s Saturday Night Bingo, will be even more exciting with a second chance
on all games except the early birds and the 50/50 game. During the evening you
will have thirty chances to win cash prizes totaling over $1100. And on April 9th
the payout for a blackout in 55 numbers is an additional $850. Games start at
6:00.
Housing
is one of the necessities of life. At 11:00 on April 12th, Dave
Peters, from the Housing Resource Center, will be discussing the housing
options available to older adults including home repair loans and foreclosure
counseling.
For
the Center’s Tuesday Night Music on April 12th, Martin and Friends will be
playing for your listening and dancing enjoyment. Doors open at 6:00, music
starts at 7:00, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated.
The
actor who played the colorful sidekick in TV westerns including forty-four
starring Roy Rogers was Gabby Hayes. (The winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jerry
Phillips who saw Gabby as the Grand Marshall of the Cheyenne Frontier Days
parade in 1947.)
The OSU
Women’s Basketball team’s incredible season reminded me how women’s basketball
has changed since the 50’s. At that time women’s basketball players couldn’t go
past mid-court and couldn’t dribble more than three bounces – it would be too
strenuous! For this week’s “Remember When” question, instead of five players, how
many players were on a side in women’s basketball during the 50’s? Email your
answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it
with a picture of Carol Menken, OSU basketball star from 1979 – 1981.
Well,
it’s been another week trying to remember the lessons I’ve learned. Until we
meet again, although you can’t ignore the everyday difficulties, don’t let them
govern your life.
“The
more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.”
Erik Erikson
No comments:
Post a Comment