"What I've Learned"

Esquire magazine has a regular feature titled "What I've Learned." In it, they list the knowledge of the featured person. They've done sports figures, movie stars, CEOs, musicians and even a warden on Death Row. This month they feature Antonio Pierro, World War I veteran and retired jet-enginemaker, 110, Swampscott, Massachusetts. (Read it here) It seems obvious - if you are looking for some good lessons go to someone who has had a lot of them. George Foreman can tell you lots of lessons about boxing and home indoor grills, but Mr. Pierro, whew - where do you start.

People struggle every day with all that it means to be human. You would think that someone who has been doing it for 110 (or even 80 or 74) years would have people lining up at his door with offerings looking for some small wisdom. But, we know that is not the way it works. Now, I'm not saying age brings brilliance, clarity or even good intentions. However, 80 years is roughly 30,000 days and there is a good chance that one of those days included a fight with a spouse, a loss of hope, a triumph (big or small) or maybe even a plumbing problem. I don't know about you, but I'd really like some guidance from someone who has been through it.

Of course we are trying to change institutional nursing home culture, but we must also change the culture of our society that supports the institution that denies home and choice for elders. I probably don't even have to say it, but we do this by honoring elders and valuing their experiences - by seeing every year as a treasure.

Back in January of 2005 we posted "Maturing With Soul" by James D. Henry on this blog (Read it here) and asked for your answers to "What Are Elders Good For." We received this thoughtful response. I invite you to share this with your organization and to also post your own additions in the comments. Taking every chance to remind ourselves and others of "what elders are good for" will help raise the awareness of their value to our society.