Sharing Life Stories with Shockers - Week 2

When the Classroom Meets the Real World, Everyone Benefits.

Prior to our class visiting Catholic Care Center, we spent the first six weeks of the semester studying aging. Broad topic, right? It is important though, to first focus on the dynamic aging process and population. Of all the content and conversations this entailed, among the most valuable was the discussion of stereotypes and the related ageism that can result. Perhaps it's obvious by now, but fighting stereotypes and ageism is a passion of mine. I grew up with a Papa who challenged all the stereotypical notions of growing old. I aspire to view other aging adults in that same light. Don’t misunderstand, I realize not every 92-year-old can safely ride a motorcycle like Papa did, but he didn’t let a number define him or keep him from what he was still fully capable of doing. Neither did my 90-year-old friend, Dorothy, who kept in communication with me via Facebook when I went to college.

Acquiring knowledge about aging promotes self-awareness and recognition of stereotypes and ageism. So then, when confronted with an aging adult who exceeds your expectations and challenges what you thought you knew about aging, it fosters an appreciation for the person rather than a focus on the limitations often associated with a number. We have the pleasure of seeing this unfold during our intergenerational project.

We are just two weeks into collecting life stories, but the impact is already apparent. During the second week, we dove a little deeper into the personal history of the participants, as they reminisced on people who shaped their lives. It’s powerful to sit in a room with 6-7 aging adults, each reflecting on the people who impacted their lives. It is then we start experiencing the content we’ve been reading and discussing for six weeks come to life. The following quotes represent a handful of student reflections from Week 2. I hope you enjoy this small insight into our journey!

Week 2 Student Snapshots

What we thought we knew about the abilities to remember in older age, can surprise us and be proven otherwise: 

“Another thing I learned this time … is that her memory, as well as many others in that room, is as sharp as a tack. And she is in her 80s!” 

You are never too old to inspire others to do good: 

“A piece of advice passed on to me today, was just to help people. When she detailed how her mother, no matter where she was, wanted to help people. Doing what she could, and anywhere she could to do good in the world while she could. I want to do that myself.”

And no matter how old you are, what you say (or write) can be an encouragement to others: 

“My partner did not tell me this directly, but in her writing … ‘Be present and don’t worry about what you cannot control’. In both her past and more recent stories, my partner writes of her happy memories, and they follow a bit of a pattern. She wasn’t concerned about what could go wrong or what may occur.”

We have an opportunity to truly appreciate the path someone else has walked before us: 

“The life lesson I took most from this was how good I really have it. My childhood is not near as tough as any of the ladies in that room. There were a lot of sad stories which isn’t what I was expecting at all.” 

“It made me more appreciative about all the things older adults have done for my generation and my parents’ generation.”

We are reminded to pause and be present in the moment: 

“In listening to the older adults recounting their experiences with their loved ones, I am reminded of something. I am reminded that I should cherish the ones I care about and appreciate them in the moment whenever I can.” 

“A piece of advice I received this week is to spend as much time with your loved ones as you can.”

And what about the impact for the participant telling his story? As captured by Sharon, facilitator of the assisted living group:

"When 97-year-old … walked out of the room, he thanked me and told me this is one of the best things he has ever done!"

What beautiful reminders, right? That when we look into the eyes of someone generations above us, we see a person who has walked a lifetime of experience, of both happy and sad. They are more than residents who perhaps need a little care now. They are people with a rich history, story to tell, and life yet to live. And we’re here for it!

See you next week for more Sharing Life Stories with Shockers!

-Jacie G.