Missionaries of the Sacred

It started in the 1970's, when I was taking classes towards an associate’s degree.  I saw an ad for activity director at Fairview Manor nursing home and worked there 12 1/2 years as the activity director, assistant administrator and then as administrator.  I received my license as a nursing home administrator and kept that active for about 9 years.  I found satisfaction in helping to create an environment that was purposeful for our elders and made long lasting friendships made with staff and family members. Then I spent 61/2 years as bookkeeper/secretary/educator/volunteer at Boone County Conservation District, surrounded by nature and again a great working environment with a mission and purpose for education and preservation of the environment.  During this time I was on the BCCA/Keen Age Center board of directors and the Area Agency on Aging board.

In 1991, I responded to an ad for director of the Boone County Council on Aging.  I felt I had acquired skills - strong in communications, supervision of other staff - and I felt that God was directing me to this opportunity.  Looking back, I know I was in my prime with health, energy, knowledge and the ability to focus on its challenges since my children were grown and in college.  And that led to 15 very productive and satisfying years. 

BCCA is dedicated to all older adults and their caregivers by reaching out with programs to help enrich and improve their quality of life.  Vital services to help low income older adults include: transportation (in community and to medical appointments out of the county), home delivered meals, in-home care, linkage to programs offered for energy assistance, food stamps, housing, assistance to veterans, legal assistance, etc.  The Keen Age Center offers recreation, education opportunities, and programs - something for everyone.  We started with one computer in our old building and when we built the new center it had 17 computers, Internet access and classes.  I started support groups that are still going strong:  Caregiver, Grief, Low vision and Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising their Grandchildren. My board of directors and staff were excellent and we were all tuned in to being responsive to the needs of our population.  (See more at www.keenage.org.)

Bringing an entire community to build a new center was a major challenge but a successful one.  In 2001 we opened the doors to the new center and this April I was invited to give the keynote address as we "burned the mortgage" - debt free in 8 years on a $1.8 million facility. 

Growing older is an experience! I like to reflect on nature and it is all making sense - as I watch the seasons and come to understand that there is a season for everything.  I feel I have wisdom I have gathered along the way and can share my experiences, if needed. There is a sense of enjoyment and relaxation and a release from pressures and stress that came with a high profile public position. I have learned to strip away what is not essential as we have made decisions to move and make geographical changes. Blessings to cherish become clearer and family, grandchildren and friends- interpersonal relationships are deeply cherished.  Freedom and flexibility of what to do with one’s time... I enjoy that!  

Also, look around – certain segments of society value the older generations. Politicians are aware of the huge voting bloc that older adults hold. Some businesses know you have a hard-working, dependable employee with the older person. Not-for-profit organizations and literacy groups know that older adults will follow through with volunteer responsibilities.

In my experience -- I have seen the challenges of persons living alone on very meager incomes.  People who are proud and have worked hard all their lives are now in their 80's and 90's and trying to live in their communities and facing poor health and other losses.  Challenges of growing older:  loss of independence, loss of income, anxiety about health, loss of self-worth, loss of loved ones and isolation.

Loss of independence is a major challenge and concern.  For instance, to lose one's driver's license is a loss that I heard so often from older adults in our Midwest area (probably not the same in urban settings with public transportation).  That means a sense of dependency on others for one's needs and that is sometimes a difficult situation to embrace.

We can:  volunteer at centers and churches that have programs for older adults.  For example: serve meals, teach AARP classes, volunteer as a tax-aide preparer, teach defensive driving, drive or escort people to doctor's appointments, teach a craft, help with fundraising.  Keep abreast of issues affecting older adults.  Volunteer on local and regional boards that deal with aging issues. (I am now on the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging board of directors representing Carroll County; in the 80's I represented Boone County on this same board.) Everyone can do something!

I think that we should be flexible, have an open mind and an open heart and from the time we are young, explore this wonderful world, its people and opportunities.  Read, cultivate hobbies and be a seeker of knowledge and not let any thought of “age” stop you.  I have always promoted the anti-”fuddy-duddy” way of life - don’t stay stagnant, keep searching and enjoying life to its fullest no matter where you are.

At the nursing home where I now work, a 101 year old lady reads her email from family every day!

Keep in touch, support them and involve them in family life.  Keep aware of health issues and seek help for them.  Record memories, family history and have fun together.

About 20 years ago it was all about new and nothing old.  Now the green words are re -use, re-cycle, re-invent, and that translates into the value of something that has been around awhile. Our culture is starting to find honor in growing older. Look at the ads, articles on aging; “silver-tones” wherever you look.   

When I started my career in the aging network - spanning more than 35 years, I had never been around older people.  No grandparents living, very few relatives and so this was a new journey and one that I have come to value dearly.  Through the years of exposure in aging circles, I have found wisdom, strength, and graciousness in the elders I have encountered.  Humor and the ability to endure terrible losses have provided me with examples of how to live.

Keep body, mind and spirit in good form.  Have fun and be with people who are positive in attitude.  Try something new - whether it's a taste of some foodstuff you have never eaten or a class you've always wanted to try.

Personally, my retirement style is one that right now finds me working part-time as a resource development coordinator for a local nursing home with involvement as a volunteer and board member in several organizations and finding the delicious time to pursue my hobbies.  God has blessed me and provides me with a balance and a good life and I feel "the best is yet to be".