Of the many committees and initiatives I have been fortunate to be involved in, one of my favorites is our Aging Friendly Initiative, which is coordinated and supported through the UW Extension Office. Although my contribution was originally focused on bringing information to the group regarding scams, frauds, or elder abuse issues, I have most likely learned more from them than they have from me. The overarching mission of this group is to bring awareness to the unique perspectives and contributions our elderly population can bring to our community.
In our current social climate, this has greater value than most realize. In any thriving civilization, the elders' role is of great importance, and the wisdom and perspective they offer is truly priceless. Unfortunately, we live in a culture that minimizes those who are advanced in years, as we see their experience as dated and their perspectives as irrelevant. We could not be more wrong. Although their journey may have taken place in a different time, under different conditions, the joys, fears, laughter, and tears are just as impactful as those experiences we have in our own youthful journey. The human experience, while impacted by advancing technology, is still the human experience. Our elderly community members truly do have so much to offer.
This subject struck me as I find myself on orders with the military, and surrounded by amazing Soldiers who, for the most part, could be my children. My wife teases me that my re-enlistment was my way of dealing with a mid-life crisis, and while she may be on to something, the past eight years have given me experiences and relationships I will never forget, nor regret. I have been blessed with the physical health to keep up with the demands of military service, while bringing a unique perspective to the challenges we face together as Soldiers.
Between missions, I have found time to read a very insightful and, for this article, very relevant book: “Tuesdays with Morrie,” written by Mitch Albom. In this book, a teacher who is in failing health decides to use his impending death as an opportunity to teach a former student about what his life has taught him and where and in what we should place their values.
At one point in their many visits, the student asks if the aging teacher envies his youth, to which the teacher responds: “The truth is, part of me is every age. I am a three-year-old, I am a five-year-old, I am a thirty-seven-year-old, I am a fifty-year-old. I have been through all of them and know what it is like. I delight in being a child when it is appropriate to be a child. I delight in being a wise old man when it is appropriate to be a wise old man. Think of all I can be! I am every age up to my own.”
We are surrounded daily by men and women whose advanced years should not be looked upon as a burden, or something of irrelevance, but rather as living and breathing treasures of knowledge, experiences, and continuing valued contributions to our own journey through life. We would be wise to take the time to listen and incorporate their wisdom as the teachers and mentors they are. If you would like more information on the Aging Friendly Initiative, don't hesitate to contact Renee Koenig at the UW-Extension Office.
