Document, Curate, Advocate on behalf of Everyday Elders
There are nearly 50 million people over the age of 65 in this country—almost one in six people. There are 108 million people over the age of 50 (AARP 2014), which is more than 1/3 of the country. The number of older adults will increase three-fold faster than those of the GenXers and Millenials—19 million to 6 million in the next ten years. These include members of the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers.
Who are “Everyday Elders? People, particularly those 80 and older, who may seem otherwise anonymous. Those who seem, at least by many, as living out their days “on the shelf,” waiting for death after having aged beyond “usefullness.”
My mission is to:
- Give voice to those whose voices might not be heard or remembered.
- Curate the histories of everyday elders.
- Advocate for the treatment of the elderly with dignity and respect.
- Gain an understanding of the attitudes and beliefs held by people having lived full lives.
- Advocate for death with dignity
- Understand the factors, including the loss of autonomy, and loss of relevance or purpose and how they impact people as they age.