My name is Kacey Wright, and this is my first semester here at GSU. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) transitioning into the field of social work. Much of my background is in pediatrics and school-based therapy, but moving to Georgia forced a shift in my professional path as a COTA. COTAs in Georgia are rarely placed in outpatient pediatrics or schools. That change opened a new door for me, and I am embracing it.  

My direct experience with older adults is limited, though I did complete a fieldwork placement in a skilled nursing facility. That setting introduced me to the realities of aging in an environment where many individuals were navigating health challenges. However, I recognize that not all older adults fit into that category. Many are not “sick” or “injured” but are instead learning to adjust to the natural shifts that come with age. These changes deserve respect, not stigma. I chose this elective because I want to deepen my understanding of aging beyond the medical lens and explore the broader human experience of later life. 

When I think about “older adulthood”, I see these stages as transitions rather than endings. To me, “older adulthood” represents a time when wisdom and perspective take center stage, even as the body and mind adapt in new ways. I imagine this season of life as one of balancing acceptance of change with opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose. 

When I picture myself as an older adult, I imagine entering that stage in my mid to late 60s. I hope by then to have lived enough life to feel both peace and gratitude, even as I navigate the realities of aging. I expect I’ll wear visible markers of time…wrinkles, gray hair, and slower dance moves. I hope to remain active in ways that are meaningful to me. Wellness, social connection, and keeping my mind engaged will be priorities. I see myself spending time reading, writing, enjoying nature, and being with my family. Mentorship, advocacy, and storytelling will also play a role in how I continue to give back to my community. The things that will bring me joy will remain simple: good food, meaningful conversations, music, and watching the younger generations of my family grow. 

At the same time, I recognize that aging can present challenges. One “problem of aging” that I personally fear is cognitive decline. I value continuous learning, and the idea of losing those abilities weighs heavily on me. However, I also believe in the brain’s resilience. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize neural connections throughout life.  Neuroplasticity does slow down with aging, but there are ways to battle it. A professor once shared that she and her husband had made a habit of continuously switching up the music they listened to in the car for over forty years, all genres. That simple act has been shown to keep their brains engaged in new ways, challenging them to adapt and grow. Inspired by that story, I began practicing the same habit about eight years ago. It reminds me that even in aging, the brain is capable of learning, adapting, and surprising us. 

Still, I try to balance this fear with the understanding that aging is a natural part of life. My training and experiences have shown me that aging can also be a time of adaptation, resilience, and even joy when people have the right supports. I hold onto that perspective as I think about my own future and the way I want to walk alongside others on their journeys through older adulthood.