Introduction

Hello all! I’m Helen, a native New Yorker who has been living near Decatur, GA, since early 2020. I’m a parent, spouse, and pastry chef. I have been working in the food industry for twenty years, with thirteen of those years spent in pastry kitchens. Having worked in such a physically demanding industry for all these years, I have limited professional experience with older adults. The oldest person I have worked with is in their early 60s. I also lack personal experience with older people, as very few people in my family have had the opportunity to live long lives. I lost both of my parents by 65, and I have one living grandparent who is both physically and somewhat emotionally distant. The most experience I have is with my wife’s grandmother, who turned 99 this summer! She is the human manifestation of the Maxine greeting card, and if you’re not familiar with it, I recommend looking it up for a good laugh. I envy those who have deep and loving relationships with their grandparents. I’ve seen how valuable those relationships are with my own parents and their grandchildren, including my young daughter. It’s a shame that she will feel the same emptiness that I did.

I was drawn to complete an MSW because of my interest in grief support. I chose this class not because aging is the precursor to the end of life, but rather because of the depth and complexity of the human experience, especially of those who have had the privilege of living for many years. Personally, I know there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from the experiences of those in advanced age, and I am eager to learn more.

The Meaning of Aging

1. Responses to the terms older adult or later life:

• As I mentioned earlier, I truly believe that aging is a privilege not to be taken for granted.  Because of family medical history and potential health predispositions due to being a Hispanic woman, being an older adult would feel like a gift.
•  I feel like later life should be the dessert wine at the end of a good meal. It should be enjoyed slowly with deep satisfaction. I also think there needs to be emphasis on intergenerational connection and sharing experiences for mutual benefit.

2. Thoughts on personal later life experience:

• I think I will consider myself an older adult at 60. I imagine that the physical issues that I already have at 40 will continue to manifest as I age. With that knowledge, I aim to remain mobile and active by continuing to make informed dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and fostering psychological well-being. This may also contribute to reducing some of the health conditions that have impacted others in my family.
• I am not the type of person who concerns myself with anti-aging products, so I hope to “look my age”, whatever that means at any given time. Mostly, I hope for good health, and I know that is not always in our control. As a healthy older person, I look forward to traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I love good food and live theatre, so I would really enjoy seeing lots of shows. I remember seeing women in the Red Hat Society around my college town, and I wanted to be just like them when I got older. That goal still stands.
• Gastrointestinal cancer has been found in women on both sides of my family, and since I have experienced some GI issues already, that is a very real concern for me. Depression is also prevalent in my family, and I imagine that with advanced age, and all of the changes that are out of one’s control, maintaining positive mental health might become an issue. While I have not seen this condition in my family, I am concerned about dementia and the challenges that such a diagnosis can create. The individuality that is emphasized in our culture has made me fear being a burden to others. I fear that aging might bring those feelings up. Ideally these feelings will be assuaged by the development of community and changing the language that has been imbedded into my mind. All in good time. I’ve got many more years to live!