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"Most of the time we dwell on the losses and multitude of sufferings that accompany old age, rather than the new gifts aging can bring," observes Dr. Jane Thibault, Clinical Gerontologist with the University of Louisville School of Medicine. "Our modern, Western society asserts that aging is primarily a process of deterioration, disequilibrium, disorientation and, finally, death. Although it is the prevailing model, it is only one view among many. Traditional Jewish teaching sees old age itself as a blessing. Asian cultures view elders as gifts to the family and larger community."

There are numerous aging issues that need to be proactively addressed in the congregational, healthcare, or community setting that are going unconsidered. The gifts and opportunities that come with aging are among these. This is further complicated by the societal ambivalence that in general ignores some of the deeper issues of self-esteem, meaning, and sense of purpose experienced in the aging process. As Dr. Thibault leads workshops for older adults, she repeatedly discovers that "most would consider a lifespan of 120 years a curse rather than a blessing -- even if they were living at the same level of activity they are experiencing right now!"

Presentations on the gifts of aging and three weeks of facilitated peer group dialogue reflecting on these presentations will provide seminar participants a constructive and integrated format for exploring both the gifts and opportunities that come from aging and the notion of aging as gift and blessing.