The Gift of Elders
Our culture does not value aging. It demands a special effort to find reasons for gratefulness in getting old. But when we look at the gift that many old people are to younger ones, we find abundant reasons for gratitude. This message board offers a space to share both the stresses and the blessings of old people.

There is so little written here, why is that?
- sl, Sicily   18 Mar 2009

My godmother passed away in May of this year at 82. She was a 2nd/3rd grade teacher for 49 years and was a leader in open learning philosophy and child-centered teaching. She was so incredibly cool and we were close friends even though there was 41 years between us. I was able to meet many of her friends at her funeral and make new friendships. One woman, a professor, is an incredibly creative thinker and a futurist. She has a website and still writes and emails...she is 98. The people I have gotten to know since my godmother has passed are all incredibly forward thinking people, much more so then many of my contemporaries. I'm so happy we can all share ideas and they inspire me to keep being myself.
- Amy, North Carolina   25 Dec 2008

To the elders of our western world I say sorry to those of you who face the winter of your years lonely, and feeling worthless. To the many I have had the privilege of seating at your feet listening to your wisdom and experience I say thankyou
- LP, Australia   19 Dec 2008

What a beauiful site. I just found it and as in so many cases it is one of God's wonderful surprises. I would like to share with you some insight a dear Aunt shared with me. God is so very crazy about each and every one of us that He (She) loves to send us surprises but we must ask for them and then be grateful and pass on to others what we canGetting older, I am 70, is a challenge but as I look back on my journey what wonderful surprises I have received!! Look at your own journey and see if you haven'r been gifted many times each day by our generous and loving God. God bless each and every one and keep on keeping on in gratitude. Love, Rosemarie
- Rosemarie, New York   10 Jul 2008

If you get senior discounts anywhere, you're an elder, even though most Baby Boomers are reluctant to admit it. If boomers would embrace maturity and the wisdom it should afford, they'd be able to share both the experiences of "the Greatest Generation" and their own 1960s often reckless youth with the new Hip Hop Generation. Instead, old folks are shunned (as if old age could rub off) and young ones are resented (for being young). There is so much boomers could / can do to change the world for the better (not just self-aggrandizement or supporting Oprah’s crusades). I have to remain hopeful and, as a 63-year-old elder, I have to speak out.
- Virtual Val, Los Angeles, CA   18 May 2008

I've just stumbled upon this site. Very comforting. I must work two jobs to support my family so I have very little time to spend online. I feel guilty even taking these few minutes to write this as I have work that must be done before kids go to school and I to work tomorrow. Wishing you readers well.
- sj, ocean city new jersey, usa   15 May 2008

My association with the last post is Native American. When I pray the Lord's Prayer, I thank my Mother, Grandmother, Grandfather and my Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather and the Holy Spirit..not just my Father. I remember going to the BIA in 'querque to apply for a job and submit my resume. In my interview, I found myself apologizing for my age and I remember the interviewer commenting that age was not something that one needed to be apologetic. He said, it can be an asset and I don't think I ever really considered that before. I am hoping to join a writing group where I live so that I can maybe 'thread' some family history/events, etc. It meets at the local Senior Center and is graciously facilitated by an English Prof. who is published and regarded by all to be a Grand POOOOOH..BAH (we should all be so fortumate)!
- Connie, NM   26 Apr 2008

I just wanted to thank the elders for everything they have done for our society. Without you, we wouldnt be the way we are now.
- JS,   7 Apr 2008

Hello Howard, Happy Easter! Are you spending the holidays with Emily and Abby? I miss your posts! Are you enjoying spring? Or is winter still with you? You are right: I would also like to learn about the observations of others. Anyway, peace in our own hearts is what counts. I wish you everything good. Easter blessings!
- Juliana, Austria   23 Mar 2008

Its windy outside so I cant go out again. Its difficult without my husband. He died two years ago, Im disabled and I miss him. Im blessed in other ways though. Since hes been gone Ive gained another grandson and a great grandaughter and there are two more on the way. There are spring flowers brightening up the garden too. God is good.:-)
- Penny, United Kingdom   21 Mar 2008

Just came in from viewing the night sky. The moon has not come up yet, it took my eyes a few minutes to adjust, and not only was it cold, but there was a stiff breeze. A creek runs beside the old house and I thought of how many times I looked to the night sky as a child and how the experience links me with billions of others on our planet going back to the dawn of our existence. Space, the enormity of it, stars, their undeniable beauty, our common history as sentient beings filled my lungs tonight. It appears not many have visited this message board, for this I am sad. Though I am "an elder" there are so many more with so much wisdom to share out there that I long to read your observations. Happy Birthday to my angels, Emily and Abby, without their light I might have never left the darkness.
- Howard, North Carolina   26 Jan 2008

Exactly, Howard, that´s what I have been doing (or rather trying to do): "Let´s try not judging them, but instead have compassion"! It is what M.B.Rosenberg stresses with the four principles of his Non-violent or Empathic Communication. Sorry to hear about your feet in the mud, but knowing that your soul is soaring is comforting. Blessings to you and everybody reading this.
- Juliana, Austria   26 Nov 2007