Program Profile: Meaningful Aging at Elderwise

--by Maria Langlais

Beauty - Forgiveness - Art - Truth - Peace - Joy -  Freedom - Love - Family - Knowledge - Spirituality  - Wisdom - Strength - Community

The quest to find meaning and purpose in our lives doesn't end when we become Medicare eligible. It's a lifelong mental and physical journey that continues regardless of the changes that occur to both the mind and the body.

Unfortunately, the venues for life-enriching opportunities may be more difficult to navigate as we age.  Physical impairments may inhibit both our ability and desire to seek out available forums for growth and enrichment. The local senior center art class, an author's reading at a bookstore, a walk in the park with friends all these may become too difficult to manage.

Elderwise, an adult day center in Seattle's Capitol Hill/Central Area neighborhood, seeks to provide a venue in which the search for meaning can continue.  Designed for older adults who face physical challenges, but who have sharp minds and who are not in need of nursing care, the program offers social and intellectual stimulation in a safe, warm and respectful environment.

The mission of Elderwise is "to improve the quality of life of area seniors; helping to enhance and prolong their independence by providing healthy food, exercise, and intellectual and creative stimulation, in a respectful, non-institutional environment."  Founded in 1997, the program moved to their new location last year and is operating five days a week. 

The holistic-based curriculum includes four daily activities: artistic endeavors, enriching discussion groups, movement and exercise, and a graciously served meal.  Each of these activities is designed to nourish the needs of the whole person, to foster community, and to provide participants with opportunities to open up to new possibilities.

Elderwise's emphasis on art is based on the belief that by stimulating creativity we can find new direction and meaning in our lives. Their art program is tailored to the needs and sensory capacities of seniors. Developed and implemented by staff that includes both artists and educators, the program provides an opportunity for participants to explore insights and new perceptions through their creations. The seniors' artwork can sometimes be seen on the walls of Caf Allegro in the University District or Wedgewood's Grateful Bread Bakery.

Working with clay, watercolors, Raku (a form of Japanese pottery) and other media, participants engage their senses while interacting with a subject. Watercolor work is done year round.  Participants move from strong colors and hard lines to create paintings that are soft, smooth and open a metaphor for their experiences at the day center.  Agency Director Sandy Sabersky says that Elderwise is a place that supports "the softening of the edges" a place where we can loosen up the many parts of us that may tend to get more rigid with age.

Elderwise Mission Expands

Elderwise has expanded its mission beyond the walls of its Capitol Hill day center. "Elderwise on Wheels" delivers watercolor programs to local retirement communities. The traveling art class allows program director Tamara Keefe to share her passion for the therapeutic benefits of art with residents of other facilities.  Some of the recent off-site locations have included Kokoro Kai Adult Day Center (a program for Japanese elders), Horizon House, and Providence Elderplace. Elderwise also has plans to offer its four-hour day care curriculum in local retirement communities and long-term care facilities. And another component among Elderwise's comprehensive array of services is their teaching program. They currently offer two educational series to the community.

According to Sara Myer, Director of Washington Adult Day Services Association (WADSA), Elderwise is "a wonderful organization ... that is ahead of the curve."  They have carved out a niche for themselves. As the Baby Boomers age, the concept of meaningful aging continues to receive more attention and press. People will look more frequently to resources such as Elderwise for assistance.  Programs like these may help make the journey towards fulfillment an easier road on which to travel.

For more information...

Elderwise 
Sandy Sabersky, Director
elders@speakeasy.net
1820 East Pine St, #201
Seattle, WA 98122
206-325-0471

Related Links

Go to the Elderwise website for more information and photos.

The Washington Adult Day Services Association website contains information about adult day and enrichment programs.