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AGING INSIGHTS
Newsletter of the Center for Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago
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In this edition of Aging Insights we celebrate Careers in Aging Month with an interview with a Concordia University Chicago Gerontology doctoral student, virtual Speaker Event on "Learning and Longevity: Building the Case for Inclusion," with Nina Silverstein, PhD, (Tuesday, March 11 at 11:00 am), and CUC Careers in Aging Lunch and Learn (Wednesday, March 12).
Colleges, universities, and the workplace are experiencing age-diversity at unprecedented levels as one in six individuals are expected to turn 65 years of age by 2030, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is our goal to share insights into how this changing demographic, whether in academia or the workplace, can bring new energy and learning as we promote age-friendly and age-inclusive learning and working spaces. We align our insights in this issue to our four strategic areas:
1) Academic and experiential education
2) Service-based practice and policy shaping
3) Community engagement and intergenerational connection
4) Applied Gerontology and evaluation
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Academic and Experiential Education | |
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Nina M. Silverstein, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Gerontology Department
University of Mass-Boston
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Institutions of Higher Education are more age-diverse than ever with students returning to complete degrees after child-rearing, caregiving, unemployment or other reasons; retooling their knowledge and skills to advance in their careers; exploring second and third career options; or for pursuing personal development and joy of learning. In addition, the faculty and staff members who support student learning are “aging-in-place” in the workplace.
Join us on Tuesday, March 11 at 11:00 am CT online for this important conversation. Learn about the model that Dr. Silverstein and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Boston have developed and describe the seven domains of age-inclusive practices and the evidence-based strategies that emerged from their research.
Use this link to Register Today!
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A Growing Field with Growing Opportunities Across Disciplines
Lesa Boykin, Doctoral student in Concordia University Chicago's Gerontology Program: "when I look back over my career, I do not have to wonder how I got here."
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Lesa Boykin has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a double major in psychology and a minor in classical music from Mississippi College, which changed its name to Mississippi Christian University. She also has a master’s degree in communications and has studied jazz music and vocal jazz.
It was Lesa’s continued education at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and her work at a local fitness center that led her to gerontology. She was an ambassador to a group of scholars from China. One of the program directors observed her interaction with older adults and encouraged her to pursue a PhD in gerontology. His recommendation changed her life.
Lesa researched gerontology programs and selected Concordia University Chicago to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Gerontology. She completed a second master’s degree in Exercise Sports Psychology and joined the staff of Senior Living. Her career pathway has also provided her with the knowledge and skills to assist her 80-year-old father in navigating life after retirement.
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Welcome Karen Marie Erickson, PhD
Karen Marie Erickson, PhD, joined Concordia University Chicago as Visiting Associate Professor in the College of Health, Science and Technology in 2024, serving as the Program Lead for graduate courses in Gerontology. An expert in the area Adult Life Span Development, Dr. Erickson is a dedicated mentor for students, frequent retreat leader on the topic of transformational change and an executive coach.
She previously served as an adjunct professor at Pacific Oaks College, Fresno Pacific University, UMass Global and as Associate Professor at Concordia University Portland. Originally from the Chicago area, Karen now resides in Three Rivers, California, visiting regularly with her Chicago family. A first-generation college student, she received BA and MA degrees from Concordia University Chicago and a PhD in Adult Learning, Change Management and Leadership from Alliant International University.
Dr. Erickson describes her passion for her new role:
“While introducing scholars to theories, concepts and best practices which honor older persons and offer possibilities to age with grace and dignity, the deepest delight is proclaiming God’s loving kindness for those who serve.”
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Service-Based Practices and Policy Shaping | |
Specialist in Aging Ministry (SAM): Leaders Chart Future Outlook
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Specialist in Aging Ministry (SAM) leaders, Pastor Chris Schwanz (back left) and Pastor Don Radde (back right) gather with some of the 24 participants in the SAM pilot at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield, WI. | |
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Churches and faith-based organizations had a unique opportunity in 2024 to contribute to the Center for Gerontology’s curriculum designed to address the growing population of older adults worshipping, serving, and being served in churches today. Following extensive research 25 Midwestern congregations previewed SAM and five Lutheran, Presbyterian and UCC congregations and organizations participated in three-to-six-week classes focused on fully recognizing and including older adults in today’s intergenerational church.
Sixty-nine people completed the course; 77 percent provided evaluations which will ready SAM for national release in Fall 2025. Topics included the importance of older adult ministry, the spirituality of older persons, the need to reframe the conversation around growing older, the challenge of isolation and loneliness, caregiving, dementias and planning for the end of life. Volunteers and church workers reaffirmed the value of the academic content and recommended including more discussion, group activities and plans for implementing the program.
Reflecting on his participation, Pastor Chris Schwanz, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield, WI comments:
“It (SAM) is so relevant and timely. That is exactly what caused me to initially reach out and become engaged. And now that we have, I still feel the same way – there is a great need to further what we experienced in these sessions.”
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Community Engagement & Intergenerational Connection | |
Intergenerational Perspectives:
Building Bridges: Bringing Generations Together Through Film & Stories
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Jim Vanden Bosch
Filmmaker & Executive Director
Terra Nova Films
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Annette Mileski
Professional Storyteller & Director, Center for Life & Learning
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago
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Good films weave people and stories together--they spark dialogue and offer different ways to view the world. As a tradition, storytelling goes back thousands of years--once the sole method of passing history from one generation to the next. Telling our stories and listening to others' stories can profoundly and positively affect understanding--learning from and appreciating our distinct and our similar experiences.
Facilitated by Jim Vanden Bosch, filmmaker and the founder and Executive Director of Terra Nova Films and professional storyteller Annette Mileski, these unique workshops are intergenerational gatherings of teens, young adults, and older adults for a unique opportunity to view and discuss age and aging as represented in film, learn storytelling techniques, and share our stories.
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Aging Reimagined Symposium Sparks Imagination | |
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Reframing the conversation around growing older is a key strategy for the Center for Gerontology. Through a seed grant, communications training and a collaborative implementation process, the Center worked with Women Over 70 to stretch beyond their award-winning podcast format and launch their first-ever Aging Reimagined symposium.
Held in October 2024 at Plymouth Place Retirement Center in LaGrange Park, IL, Women Over 70 attracted over 130 women to challenge outdated stereotypes and redefine aging through lectures, workshops, interactive activities and networking.
Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, provided the keynote, while many of Women Over 70’s podcast guests brought wisdom in the areas of creativity, health, resiliency, spirituality, personal branding and financial planning.
Reflecting on the value of working with the Center to launch the symposium, Women Over 70 co-founders, Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marineau said,
“Working with Concordia’s Center for Gerontology gave us additional momentum resulting in a first highly successful in-person event. The training we received, and their ongoing input inspired us to emphasize the importance of reframing aging and continuing to celebrate who we are as we age.”
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Staying Abreast of Trends in Gerontology | |
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To stay on the leading edge for you, our readers, the Center for Gerontology participates in national organizations focused on research, innovation, and collaboration in the field of aging. Center Operations Director, Lisa Peters-Beumer and Project Leader, Beth Truett recently attended the annual scientific meeting of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), themed The Fortitude Factor.
Highlights included current trends in intergenerational programming; addressing isolation, loneliness, and ageism; and national and state policies requiring our advocacy, like support for family caregivers. As members of GSA’s Academy of Gerontology in Higher Education, we learned of a new report, Learners for Life: The Future of Higher Education in the Era of Longevity. Co-authored by two renown gerontologists in partnership with the TIAA Institute, the report informs the Center’s Age-Inclusive Higher Education.
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CUC Center for Gerontology Team | |
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The Center for Gerontology is generously supported by the
Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust
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To learn more about what you can do to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in your community and reframe the conversation to eliminate ageism, visit the American Society on Aging website. | | | | |
