One February 27th, we will be co-hosting an exclusive screening of The Age of Love at Mease Manor in Dunedin. The Age of Love is new documentary that follows the adventures of 30 seniors who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for 70- to 90-year-olds. It follows the stories of some of the seniors involved and explores themes about love, relationships and how dreams and desires change – or don’t change – from first love to the far reaches of life. If you’re interested in getting a sneak peak at The Age of Love movie, RSVP today to reserve your seat.

Why did Aging Wisely and EasyLiving think The Age of Love screening was important to co-host?

We have always made it our mission to enable every individual we work with to live the most fulfilling life possible, with utmost dignity, focusing on their physical, mental, spiritual, family and financial well-being. We understand the importance of seeing each elder as an individual and understanding the human needs that continue over a lifetime. Elders are as varied as any age group of people, maybe even more so since they have had many years of different life experiences, and their relationship needs, desires and concerns vary widely too. There are many underlying stereotypes and assumptions we may hold about older adults (often without even realizing it) and this movie helps get us thinking about them.

Ask Yourself: Discussion Topics from The Age of Love

How You View Older Adults

• “My perception of myself at this age is certainly different than the perception I had of my grandparents.”—Dwight, The Age of Love  How do you imagine you’ll be as an elder? Is it different than how you see elders you know? How do you think we tend to see ourselves in terms of age? Do you think elders today are different from elders 20-30 years ago? What about in the future?
• Do you inadvertently treat elders in a child-like manner at times (using terms like “honey” or calling them “cute”)?
• Are there ways in which you might be treating elders as if their needs and concerns are all the same?
• Do you have certain assumptions about elders in terms of romantic and intimate relationships?

Loss, Isolation and Loneliness in Old Age

• Older adults disproportionately suffer from loneliness and isolation. What are some of the things about the way our society is structured that might contribute to this?
• What are some possibly solutions to loneliness and isolation/losses of aging? If you notice an older loved one becoming more isolated, what would you do?

Relationship Issues

• If you work (or imagine yourself working) at an Assisted Living or other senior care setting, would your personal beliefs impact your interactions with senior clients and their relationships? For example, how would you feel and react to a same-sex relationship among two residents? How would you feel if a woman with a spouse living in the community began having a relationship with another man in the community?
• What complications arise when elders have dementia? How can we define their ability to consent to a relationship?
• What feelings would you have if your widowed parent become involved with someone new? Would there be a situation where you can see being concerned (what would cause you concern)?
• In care facilities, how can we balance the need for safety/supervision in group settings with the reality that older adults do continue to be sexual human beings with a need for intimacy and private time?

We’ll be sharing more thought-provoking questions, answers and information throughout the month, so stay tuned!

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s a great time to take a look at those you love with a new lens. In addition to logistical and medical needs that come with aging, don’t forget the diverse human needs of your aging parents.

Aging Wisely is here to help! Our comprehensive assessment is a holistic look at the situation, offering solutions to ensure a well-rounded quality of life. Some of the issues we help with include: family mediation (dealing with conflicts over relationships and concerns you might have about someone being taken advantage of), engaging eldercare services and resources for a more fulfilling life, suggesting age-friendly activities to suit the person’s interests and abilities…and more. Contact us at 727-447-5845 for a free consultation!