By Jess Peterson

• You don’t need much.
• You’ve got to keep a sense of humor.
• Kindness is never wasted.
• Happiness is in the smallest things.
• Learn to like your own company.

Now that you’ve skipped over reading the above maxims, go back and read each one attentively. Which of these statements, if really applied, might make a change in your life today – or in the future?

These are not my own idle rumblings. They are quotes from Wendy Lustbader’s book, What’s Worth Knowing (2001, Tarcher/Putnam). Throughout this insightful volume, Ms. Lustbader, offers over 100 simple statements as a result of interviews with senior citizens. Each of these senior adults was asked the question, “What is worth knowing?” Their answers are provided in one general statement, after which follow one or two short paragraphs of explanation and one or two paragraphs about the person being interviewed. In the book, these writing are divided by topic (living well, people, time, spirituality, marriage, work, etc.). Each statement is a pearl of wisdom garnered from years of experience in living life. You may not agree with some statements, but each will provoke thought. Others statements will become a treasure to you and you will share with others many times over.

As I was hosting a senior adult dinner recently, the speaker began praising those in attendance for the wisdom and maturity that they have accumulated through life’s experiences. Meaning to compliment his audience, he continued piling on the praise. Finally, one of the older ladies spoke out. “We’re glad you feel that way about us, but the truth is, nobody is listening.”

That is a sad commentary on our society in the United States. We have a huge number of people (over 12% of the population) who have learned the lessons of living a long life and are both willing and able to share what they have learned with others – what is worth knowing. But no one seems to be listening. I remember having a conversation with a fellow gerontologist several years ago concerning the sociological/spiritual reason that people live so long today. We both felt like it had something to do with their ability to share and our need to learn truths of life. But how can we learn if we are not listening?

As professionals, I feel that we have the responsibility to help provide a format for the sharing of these truths. Wendy Lustbader’s book is a great example of what can be done. Perhaps that effort can be multiplied hundreds of times through the retirement, assisted living communities and nursing homes that we serve. The family is probably not asking “What’s Worth Knowing?” When we ask that for them and provide the answers, we change not only the lives of the seniors we serve, but generations that follow. In the process, our views of elderhood begin to change and we become eager to hear more.

As I have been writing this article, I have thought of several places in my town to begin opening doors again for our senior citizens. I hope you will join in this effort to uplift the voices of a population wanting and needing to be heard.