Sharon Jackson, 57, USA
Aging in my part of world comes with uncertainty concerning job security, housing, shopping in stores, things like that. Access to medical care is another major concern. People think that in the US we have excellent medical care, but it is not always that way.
Interviewed by Bonnie Fatio, founder of AgeEsteem,during the YWCA World Council in Nairobi, Kenya, July 2007
I am board chair of a not for profit organization that distributes toys to needy children during the holiday season, and we work year round to refurbish used toys and to collect new ones and package them to be ready for the season. The entire program during the year is staffed by people 70 years and older. It is so inspiring to see these people, who come there not only to be productive and active, but they come together as family and they check on each other if one is sick or there is a death or whatever. They’re there year round, so I’m experiencing their lives for the entire year. During the summer when students are out of school and then during the holiday season we have student volunteers come in It is inspiring to see the older people interact with all age groups, but especially during the summer with the students. This one incident is enough to let them all see how important all generations are and how we can enjoy learning from one another.
Personal feelings: Aging to me has not been a huge factor up to this point. I’m sure it will be when I am unable to do the things which I’m used to doing. I’m here (in Kenya at the World Council of the World YWCA) with my 28 year old daughter and another young woman. Both are young enough to be my children, but I don’t think of them as my children, I guess because I am still in that younger age mindset. I can’t really say that aging has impacted my life yet.
In my family they live as long as they can, and independently. I have family members who are well past 85 years old and into their 90s and early 100s. I hope I make that. I’m not sure whether I will or not. They still work and are viable members of community, so I’ve always had that role model of staying involved.
Health issues do concern me but are not catastrophic. I see my aunt who can’t hear and is arthritic and can’t get around. Although we have disability acts in our country there are still a lot of things that are not accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Secrets to aging well: Recognize there is experience with age and also understand and realize that the young people have a lot to offer. They may be impetuous and be quick to say things that we wouldn’t do as quickly because we have age on our side. We take the time to think about outcomes and what the impact of our actions and decisions will be.
I don’t think there is a line to be crossed in age. You move deftly from one age to another. And it’s all in your mind and heart, not the age on your drivers licence or ID.
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Posted by Bonnie Fatio on September 4, 2007 2:39 PM | Permalink
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