Spend time with an older person and prepare to be inspired
By Russell Burns
SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR
May is Older Americans Month as designated by the federal government's Administration for Community Living and through proclamation by President Trump. This year's theme, Age Out Loud, should remind everyone that elders hold the power to inspire and teach if we take the time to listen.
I have spent the bulk of my career working with the elder population, and as incoming president of the board of trustees of St. Luke's Home, I have the privilege of working both with, and on behalf of, elders.
At St. Luke's Home, we have former teachers, ministers, nurses and veterans who have reached the last one-third of their lives with little income but retaining a strong passion for life. St. Luke's provides a community for those who fall in between: not sick enough for state assistance; not wealthy enough for private care; not well enough to live alone.
For these individuals, not having to worry about adequate care, a warm bed or three healthy meals a day means they can continue to age out loud and keep their dreams alive.
St. Luke's Home is a 64-unit nonprofit assisted living facility located on the edge of the University of Arizona. As an Eden Registry community, St. Luke's models what all elder communities should be: life-affirming, not life-sapping. In fact, St. Luke's, which partners in a range of areas with the University of Arizona, is a shining example of a vibrant elder community. Walk through its doors and you know right away that this is a place where elders are invited and encouraged toAge OutLoud everyday of the year.
Like Grace. You can tell at first meeting that she is an artist. From the soft rouge on her cheeks to the brightly colored skirts and blouses she wears each day, it is obvious that art lights her up. She has been active in the We Love Art workshops that St. Luke's offers in partnership with the UA, and her works were recently shown at the UA Museum of Art as part of the 'Connecting Generations: Art From the Elders of St. Luke's Home' exhibit.
Paul is a veteran of the Army and an avid University of Arizona Wildcat fan. He has been working with UA students to relearn sign language, which he had mastered years earlier. He was eager to dive back in and polish his skills.
Claire, a former nurse in Philadelphia, had to retire when diagnosed in her early 50s with osteoarthritis of the spine. Exercise lights up Claire. She has walked nearly every day for at least 20-25 minutes since her diagnosis, and is now 88 years old. She takes part in the regular exercise programs at St. Luke's Home and encourages other elders to join her on walks through St. Luke's halls or outdoors around the beautiful grounds. She also greets people at the front desk two days a week with a welcoming smile and generous spirit.
We have the opportunity this month and, every day of the year, to take a closer look and listen to an elder. Our culture would benefit greatly if elders were held in higher regard, respected and honored. And they all deserve to live in a community like St.
Luke's where they are surrounded by natural beauty, enjoy the stimulation of sharing time with people of all ages, and are safe and comfortable.
Share a conversation or just hang out with an elder this month, and every day of the year.
Allow yourself to be inspired.
Russell Burns is a Founding Partner of Agape Hospice and Palliative Care and is incoming president of the St. Luke's Home board of trustees. Contact him at rntburns@gmail.com
Russell Burns
