“The Gift of Years” in Poetry and Film

Joan Chittister, in her book, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully, cites 40 “dimensions of the aging process, its purpose and its challenges, its struggles and its surprises, its problems and its potential, its pain and its joys.”

In my observations, the movie industry has addressed many of these dimensions of aging over the years and I have selected 30 tittles released since 2000. The major roles are played by elder actors who exemplify many of the Conscious Aging Concepts along with Qualities of Sages in Service. (handouts will be available). You will have a chance to share your insights with others in the group.

Also, elder actors are featured in a visual essay called Grow Old Along With Me (1999) , integrating commentary and poetry. Concepts such as Happiness; Creativity; Seeing; Death; Being Alone; and Intimacy are addressed beautifully. 

Judy Steiert has certification as a Sage-ing Leader with Sage-ing International, Conscious Aging with IONS and in SoulCollage. For 10+ years, Judy has facilitated courses and conference presentations in Conscious Aging in many venues throughout Calgary; Alberta; and in the US. A signature course is Elder Wisdom in Movies where she has presented 11 series. Judy initiated and lead the Calgary Conscious Aging Network (CCAN) 2014-2016 where participants are encouraged to draw from their own life experience to share presentations with the group.

Rosedale Community Centre, 901 - 11 Avenue NW