IC preferred logo 
 
Aging News and Notes
December 2012

RhodaMeadorThe holidays are upon us, and many families will be bringing together several generations to celebrate. How can we make the most of these times together? How do we reach across the generations and involve everyone and create new memories together? An article I recently submitted to the Ithaca Journal describes some possibilities; you can read it here. This newsletter also includes suggestions from our faculty and staff for books about aging. And we hope you'll save the date--February 11, 2013--for our spring distinguished speaker, who will address aging and developmental disabilities.

 

Wishing you safe and happy holidays,

Rhoda's signature   

Rhoda Meador, Director

SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 11, 2013, for 
"The Known and Unknown of Aging with Developmental DistinguishedSpeakerSpr2013Disabilities"
 

The Gerontology Institute's Spring Distinguished Speaker will be Elizabeth Perkins, Ph.D., RNMH, research assistant professor and health coordinator at the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities at the University of South Florida. Her free presentation will be at 7 p.m. at Ithaca College Emerson Suites. Be sure to reserve the date on your calendar!

Fully Paid Traineeships Available for Advanced Practice Nurses in Geriatrics
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has full tuition and stipend support available for full-time nurse practitioner students (leading to certification as an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner), and for post-master's certificate students (leading to certification as a geriatric nurse practitioner). For more information, go here.
Books on Aging: Staff and Faculty Favorites at the Gerontology Institute

 

Forget Memory: Creating Better Lives for People with Dementia by Ann Davis Basting

This book begins with chapters that confront and explore our cultural perceptions and societal fears of memory loss, including some potent examples of tragic and comic media portrayals, or 'stories' as she refers to them, of people experiencing dementia. The latter half, "Moving Through Fear: Stories about Dementia That Inspire Hope," outlines a number of arts-based programs (including StoryCorp's Memory Loss Initiative, the TimeSlips Creative Storytelling project and Songwriting Works), all of which afford individuals with dementia opportunities for creativity and self-expression.

 

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner

This book is a fascinating exploration of people who live in regions around the world where there are higher than average numbers of centenarians. Buettner describes the common factors he's found in people who live in these places--which include having a strong connection with family and friends, being active, and having a sense of purpose--and discusses how we can adopt these practices and create a blue zone for ourselves.

 

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Allan Karlsson, like Forrest Gump, is an innocent with the knack of being in the right place at the right time. While this work of fiction starts with the climb out the window before his 100th birthday party, flashbacks take the reader on a zany trip through the 20th century. The characters he meets along his travels are quirky and fun, and the story progresses to a happy ending.

 

Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older by Wendy Lustbader

Lustbader is a social worker, professor, and aging expert who explores positive aspects of aging, including self-knowledge, confidence, and the increasing capacity to be true to ourselves. Using first-person stories and clinical observations, Lustbader challenges our culture's emphasis on youth, arguing that our later years are often far more rewarding than our youth. 
 

These Foolish Things (also published under the title: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), by Deborah Moggach

Very different from the movie, this dark comedy looks at the many changes that can happen as one ages. The rich cast of characters comes from a variety of life circumstances, and through willing or reluctant choices, end up living at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Bangalore, India. Stereotypes and changed attitudes - on aging, sex, India, adult children, the medical profession - run through the book, and make it a very satisfying story.

 

Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser by Lewis Richmond

Although the author is a Zen Buddhist priest and meditation teacher, his practical, step by step set of attitudes and practices are accessible to the general reader and can help us reframe our own personal approaches and reactions to aging. The Buddhist premise, "everything changes," is a welcome reminder, especially to baby boomers, many of whom are doing everything they can to deny that simple fact. Written with happiness and humor.

 

Children's Books on Aging

A recommended list of children's books with an aging theme has been compiled by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and includes descriptions of books for K-12 students.

In This Issue
SAVE THE DATE for Distinguished Speaker
Fully Paid Nursing Traineeships Available in Geriatrics
Books on Aging: Staff and Faculty Favorites
Quick Links

Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?

 

What Boomer Women Can Learn About Aging from (Gasp) Older Women

 

Online Alzheimer's Course Offers Relief for Caregivers 

 

More About the Gerontology Institute

 

The Ithaca College Gerontology Institute is back on Facebook and waiting for you to join us!