Successful Aging….What does this mean to you?

What is the purpose of old age and how do we wade through it “successfully”?
According to speakers at a symposium offered by the Jungian Society of Washington entitled “Jung and Aging: Bringing to Life the Possibilities and Potentials for Vibrant Aging”, the second half of life does offer opportunities for us to go inward and ask of ourselves:

“Who am I and what is my purpose in life?” and “What of value will I leave behind?”

Each of these we must answer for ourselves and the answers do vary from person to person.

This conference shifted the emphasis from the pathology of older age (disease, impairment and deterioration) to a whole-person view of older people and examining the role of purpose, engagement and belonging even in the face of the “pathologies”.

Morning speakers spoke of Carl Jung and his teachings and their reflections.  I know I want to explore more of his teachings such as:

“The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only its meaning and purpose are different.” Carl Jung, Vol 7, Two Essays on Analytical Psychology, 74

“A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot merely be a pitiful appendage to life’s morning”  Carl Jung, CW, Vol 8, Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche, “The Stages of Life”, 387-403.

The afternoon, though, was action-based, with panelists in the fields of aging and geriatrics providing local metro-DC and national examples of how the view of whole-person aging is impacting our medical care now.  Exciting leaders speaking yesterday were from the Univ of MD School of Social Work, National Center for Creative Aging, George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health and the Medical House Call program at MedStar, Washington Hospital Center*.   Each of these speakers have exciting innovative programs and each also made the client/patient part of the treatment team. What a concept to ask the patient for his/her treatment goals!

*And, here is a shameless plug for Seabury’s Leadership in Aging Awards in June: this year’s awardee’s are Stuart Rosenthal, Editor and Publisher of The Beacon newspapers AND the Medical House Call program at MedStar, Washington Hospital Center.   Truly, these are leaders in the field of aging.  Join us.

Key to successful aging to me are resilience, continual learning and exploring, strong relationships and community as well as the willingness to let go of whatever no longer serves me (the latter might include material goods as well as people in my life who drag me down.)

Ask me to talk more about what I learned at the symposium! And, I’d love to hear from YOU: What, to you, is successful aging?

Annie is Seabury’s Director of Congregational Resources working with congregations to help them organize programs and services by and with older adults. She can be reached at (202) 414-6314 or via email.

Peanuts Anyone?

This weekend I’ve been laughing and … playing with squirrels, blue jays and other garden critters.

After my beach vacation a few weeks ago, I stopped at the Piggly Wiggly and bought 2 large bags of peanuts.  Large bags of Peanuts.  I’ve now eaten my fill.  This weekend I tossed a few outside in the yard.  Then I threw more.  And more.

With that first toss, life in my garden has grown increasingly exciting.  And not only because of the flowers popping up and blooming.  Blue jays squawk, and dive-bomb or chase one another.  Squirrels hang upside down or race along the trees.  Even the Red Bellied Woodpeckers and tiny chickadees are getting into the act.  I’m part of this play time: the critters are watching and waiting for every toss.

And, I laugh and laugh as I enter the spirit of this game.

I recommend this “medicine” of laughter and play.  It is truly the “pause that refreshes” and recharges us to face our lives with vigor and with fresh eyes.

What are you doing to refresh and recharge yourself so that you are enabled to face your life’s activities?

Annie Shaw

Annie is Seabury’s Director of Congregational Resources working with congregations to help them organize programs and services by and with older adults. She can be reached at (202) 414-6314 or via email.

Make Someone Happy

I was listening to one of my favorite entertainers, Barbara Streisand, recently.  I can listen to her music over and over again and love many of her songs but one of them struck a chord with me as I was planning my week’s agenda.  The song is “Make Someone Happy’ and speaks to the power that making someone smile has to increase our own happiness and satisfaction.

There are many reasons why our Agency’s employees work as hard as they do.  They are a very dedicated and committed group of people who blessedly work well together.  We know that our clients need the services and programs we provide.  But we strive to do our best because of the smiles we receive and the knowledge that our efforts improve their quality of life.  It is gratifying to know that on a daily basis we make someone happy.  Whether it’s providing transportation to purchase essential grocery items; serving a delicious meal that is enjoyed with friends; delivering a meal to a homebound senior knowing you are the only person they will see that day’; or working beside a senior volunteer who is sharing their talents at one of our nutrition sites. It all brings smiles to the faces of those we serve and to the staff as well.

Of course there are other duties we perform that aren’t as exciting but just as important.  However, there is nothing like seeing the shining faces of those we serve and know that our teamwork results in such a wonderful emotion – happiness.

Dawn M. Quattlebaum is the Director of Ward 5 Aging Services for Seabury Resources for Aging.  Ward 5 Aging Services plans and directs aging services for older adults and caregivers in Washington DC’s Ward 5.  Services include nutrition sites, case management, nutrition education and support, transportation coordination, and social events.  Dawn can be reached at (202) 529-8701 or via email at DQuattlebaum@seaburyresources.org.

Social Work Matters

March is National Professional Social Work Month and this year’s theme is “Social Work Matters”.  I’ve had the opportunity to answer calls coming into our Care Management Information and Assistance line, (202-364-0020), these past few months and it’s striking to me how much social work does matter.  Older adults, their children, their friends, their family, sometimes a concerned physician or administrator and many others call in to talk through situations and find out what can be done and how we can help.  Sometimes they know immediately that they need or want our Care Management services, sometimes they just want information about area resources.  Often they are overwhelmed, stories flooding out in a chaotic stream.  They are coping with multiple challenges, including grief and loss, mental health concerns, chronic physical illness and disability, economic insecurity, and family caregiving and it’s our job to listen, sort through the layers and help them move ahead.  And that is truly at the core of what social workers do; we start where our clients are at (literally and emotionally), build on their strengths and then support them with information and resources to empower them to live with dignity.

You will find a lot of professional and honorary social workers at Seabury Resources for Aging.  Our Care Managers play an integral role in care coordination for older adults, especially those living with advanced illness or multiple chronic conditions, by facilitating access to health and psychosocial services that improve health outcomes and support aging in place or transitioning to a senior community if appropriate.  The staff at our Senior Living options work to carry out our mission of providing affordable housing for seniors and to assist them with services to maintain their independence and to live a full life; for example, meals, transportation, social services, education and activities.  And our Ward 5 program staff answers the call of those one in ten adults 65 or older who live in poverty despite the safety nets of Social Security and Medicare, by providing nutrition sites, case management nutrition education and support, transportation coordination and social events.  

Social work truly does matter and I’m reminded again what an honor it is to be a social worker and specifically, to work with older adults, their family, their support systems and the other professionals with whom I share a passion for working with these people.

What matters most to you in your profession?

Christine Bitzer, Assistant Director of the care management service of Seabury Resources for Aging can be reached at 202-364-0020 or via email at CBitzer@seaburyresources.org.

Blind Spots

Last evening I attended a program and found myself in moderate disagreement with the co-leaders. And over the past few months I’ve struggled with a neighbor whose behavior is, well, challenging for me.  So I find myself (okay reluctantly) exploring “what am I not understanding?” as I’m finding myself uncomfortable with another’s point of view or faced with perceived hostility.

I’m driven to this self-questioning as yesterday I listened to Tell Me More on NPR on what moral certainties enslave us that we cannot give up and coincidently this morning I read (in Science Daily) about blind spots.   What are the areas I cannot see or understand because I have a strong belief or point of view that allows no give-and-take?    Oh, and didn’t I talk recently about “living in questions” rather than looking for answers?  Guess I’ll have to practice what I’m preaching!

While I cannot say I enjoy self-examination, especially if that examination means I might not be “right”, I am willing to concede that another person might have a point.  And, if that fact might be true, then I can at least be willing to admit I am not the arbiter of what is right or good.  I just might not have all the facts.  Can you tell I’m going into this choice for examining my point of view both kicking and screaming?

And if you have strong points of view about your preferences about aging, if you say to all around you, “it’s a shame on our family if a loved one goes to live in a nursing facility,” then you just might consider talking with one of our geriatric care managers who can help consider the best options for you.  Call 202-364-0020 for the helpline desk.

Both the article and the radio show are compelling and so that you can see and hear them for yourselves, the links are below.  And, oh yes, enjoy – reflect – and I’d appreciate hearing your feedback.

This journal article talks about our brain and visual blind spots and lets you check out your own brain’s blind spots.  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714203442.htm.

And for a link to the NPR show “ Tell me More” to listen to this most thought-provoking show:   What Enslaves Us That We Won’t Give Up?   Host Michel Martin reflects on what the moral questions of history tell us about our own ethical blind spots. Her commentary comes as the National Museum of African American History and Culture breaks ground Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Annie Shaw

Annie is Seabury’s Director of Congregational Resources working with congregations to help them organize programs and services by and with older adults. She can be reached at (202) 414-6314 or via email.

Just a Few Steps at a Time

My work environment is a special place because it involves working side by side with people of all ages for an older population.  It demonstrates that different backgrounds, experiences, and talents can successfully achieve outstanding goals for a group of people who truly deserve our best.  It’s nice to learn from employees who haven’t experienced as much as I have as well as from those who have lived longer and are considered older adults.   We all work well together and our symphony greatly enhances the lives of those we serve.

It’s always important to do a good job completely and efficiently.  But it’s also important to introduce ways to improve the office atmosphere to generate positive inspiration and motivation in order to give our best.  Our work isn’t always rosy and as a matter of fact some of the issues that our senior clients face, which we work to resolve, are gritty and ugly.  So, I was inspired by an article I read on how to improve the quality of the workplace by introducing exercise as a way to lighten the workload a bit and improve team building.  I was delighted to receive positive feedback from our Nutritionist.  We formed an afternoon walking club and so far it’s just the two of us but I’m observing interest from others and feel that despite the colder weather our numbers will grow.  We’re enjoying discovering the neighborhood by land and sharing stories without interruption while improving our health.  The first person we encountered who was also walking was an active older neighbor.  A few seniors who live next door to the office were pleased to see this and their encouragement felt good.  Certainly these are signs that we’re doing the right thing!  We’ve even noticed that our energy level is sustained beyond 5pm, which is a huge plus for long workdays.  Hallway line dancing and other ways to interject fitness are being explored.

I’m looking forward to increased vitality and energy in order to handle the day’s activities as well as getting to know my team in a special way.

What have you experienced in your workplace that helped build team work and improve health?  Share your thoughts with us.

Dawn M. Quattlebaum is the Director of Ward 5 Aging Services for Seabury Resources for Aging.  Ward 5 Aging Services plans and directs aging services for older adults and caregivers in Washington DC’s Ward 5.  Services include nutrition sites, case management, nutrition education and support, transportation coordination, and social events.  Dawn can be reached at (202) 529-8701 or via email at DQuattlebaum@seaburyresources.org.

Message for the Heart

February is National Heart Month.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. Although heart disease can be managed, it is an irreversible and incurable disease. Heart disease can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life, as decline in one’s physical ability and stamina can lead to decreased activity and socialization. Such changes can lead to feelings of worthlessness, isolation, anger, and depression.  

Friends and family can support a loved one with heart disease by educating themselves about the disease and being sensitive to their loved one’s feelings and physical abilities. Individuals with heart disease can lead healthy, fulfilling lives by following the doctor’s orders and surrounding themselves with positive, caring and supportive people.

Are you caring for someone with heart disease?  What are some lessons you have learned along the way?

To learn more about heart disease prevention, treatment and support, contact:  The American Heart Association, 1-800-242-8721, www.heart.org; CDC, 800-232-4636, www.cdc.gov; and  Mended Hearts,1-888-432-7899, www.mendedhearts.org

Stephanie Chong, LICSW, is the Director of Operations for Seabury Resources for Aging’s Care Management service.   Care managers work with older adults on an individual basis to advise them on a variety of issues and services; such as home care, transportation, medical/legal assistance and housing. families are put at ease having a knowledgeable guide to provide recommendations and resources to meet their unique needs. this expertise can save families money and reduce stress and time away from work. Stephanie can be reached at (202) 364-0013 or via email her at SChong@seaburyresources.org.