I'm not fond of how our society looks at aging. Ageist jokes. Ageist birthday cards. Extolling youth at the expense of older people.

I question this society's negative philosophy of aging. Aging is an active sign of the persistence of life over death. Personally, I'd rather age than push up daisies. But what's hard is that getting older is to grow, and that pushes us out of our comfort zone at any age. Wisdom cannot occur in a vacuum; it is enhanced by - guess what - experience, and that means age.

What would happen if we expected positive potential from aging instead of dwelling on the negative stereotypes or fear based philosophy around getting older?

Contrary to scientific opinion just a few years ago, the older brain is far more flexible and adaptable than previously supposed. Older brains make new cells when called upon to do so. Older people can use both hemispheres of their brains to process information - something younger individuals cannot do. And "use it or lose it" applies to the brain, just like it applies to the muscular body. Challenge yourself, mind and body, and you will grow stronger. Personality, creativity and "self" continue to develop throughout life.

Aging is ultimately a courageous endeavor. Aging well can be a challenge. I am grateful that OASIS provides programs and opportunities that meet people where they are, and that those who maintain a curiosity about life and aging congregate here.

I invite you to think about what aging means to you. What does your own successful aging look like? Use your imagination to consider this and then envision yourself in the picture you create. What will your life look like in the future . . . with the benefit of age? In that vein, and in the interest of courage and curiosity, I invite you to use OASIS as a means to elevate your aging to an art form!

Warmly,

Elizabeth Scholze-Schmidt
Executive Director
OASIS