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This is the future home of GEODES.org |
Geodes are roughly spherical, geological phenomenon that, at first look, appear to be common rocks. Created in the presence of heat, water, and stress, the outer surface hardens creating a tough shell of little note. The materials and processes of their environment, however, over time serve to cool and create crystalline structures inside that are of great beauty. Unless broken open, their exquisite beauty goes completely unnoticed and unappreciated. Each geode is unique. Each is a masterful work of art hiding in a “rock.” Their variations are vast.
Like the geode phenomenon, older adults often take on lackluster
appearances. Usually passive or assessed as over-the-hill,
they are set aside
into piles with the complaint that they take up too much and aren't of
much use. Many older adults accept this reality but each knows that
there is
more going on
than meets the eye. A key problem is that the bulk of
societies, including older adults, have been taught to think in terms
of Golden Years
and, when the time comes, accept their fate and step aside. In the
United
States, for example, that usually means retirement at an economic level
at or
below poverty levels with a high dependency on social programs that are
the
subject of continuous political wrangling.
It is time for the inner beauty, capabilities and perspectives
developed
over the years to be noticed, developed or redeveloped, appreciated,
and
actively applied
to
improve the societies in which they were formed. Here there are two
problems: the first, previously alluded to, is that many older adults
have
bought
into their societies' roles for them. Some are willing to accept their
roles, those with the means volunteer, while the rest often do not know
what to do in
lieu of a life of continuing disengagement. The second problem relates
to the group wanting or willing to seek an alternative, “What
do I do instead of…?” and "Where would I go to do that?" It is our hope to be
of service to the latter
group. Philosophical
shifts or attitude adjustments are often in order (for both the older
adult
and the
younger society around them), the truth about aging needs to be
fully understood and managed,
and continued or re- engagement of the older adult needs to be the
active order
of the day. That effort must come from within. We GEODES must
be willing to make the changes happen.
Site established July 18, 2003.
This site is currently under development. Its purpose, mission, and goals will be provided in the coming weeks.
It is our goal for this site to be a visible presences of the Guild for the Engagement, Orientation, and Development of Enlightened Seniors, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment and organization of older adults, their individual and collective contributions to their communities, and the dignity and quality of their lives.
For more information, contact: b.reed@geodes.org