A woman in her early 70s sits in a Seattle church parlor discussing the question: “What brings meaning to my life?” Gathered around her are seven of her peers, listening intently as she considers how she will contribute to the world at this stage of her life. A colorful dialogue erupts.
This conversation is like many facilitated by the Northwest Center for Creative Aging (NWCCA), a nonprofit organization that helps older adults find purpose and embrace new challenges. The NWCCA works to enrich lives by creating these conversations, fostering connections and serving as an educational resource.
It all started when Nancy Edquist read Mary Baird Carlsen’s book “Creative Aging: A Meaning-Making Perspective.” As a former employee of CHHSM ministry’s Horizon House in Seattle, Edquist is particularly interested in enriching the aging process.
With the support of Horizon House CEO Bob Anderson, Edquist hosted a discussion around creative aging at the community in 2007. More than 100 people turned out to brainstorm ways in which older adults could embrace the latter years of life in a purposeful way.
And the NWCCA was born.
Today, the center trains senior-age facilitators and organizes its signature program series, Conversations on Creative Aging, throughout greater Seattle.
Groups of eight to 15 adults meet for a total of 90 minutes in various community locations over the course of one to two months. Groups may choose their own topics, but typical discussion questions include: “What is the title of the next chapter in your life story?” and “How does one’s purpose change as we move through life?”
“The feedback is powerful,” said Jan Frederick, the center’s executive director. “People feel more connected with their families and friends, and more energized. It’s really a chance for people to dig deeper and strengthen their relationships with others in the community.”
And the movement is growing. The center now holds workshops and presentations on various topics of interest to elders throughout the community. Recent events include intergenerational dialogue groups and autobiographical writing workshops.
Next year, the center will expand the “Renew, Refresh and Return” program held in partnership with Seattle University. Seniors can enjoy a two- or four-day return to a college campus, complete with challenging curriculum and cafeteria food.
This year alone, more than 700 people have already participated in events through the center.
In January 2012, the NWCCA will launch “EVOLVE: Reigniting Self and Community,” a six-month leadership-development program for adults age 50 and older. The course aims to help adults use their lifetime of experiences to bring more meaning and purpose to their lives and make a difference in their communities. Over the six months, each participant will plan and implement a service project to build his or her capacity as a civic leader.
Edquist, who currently serves as president of the NWCCA board of trustees, hopes to one day see the center turn into a physical resource center for people in the community.
“It builds hope back into people’s lives,” said Edquist. “With some guided questions, people can take stock with a group of people and give themselves permission to talk about deeper things.”
Frederick agrees. “It’s really fun to see how more and more people are enthused and involved,” she said. “I hope over time that the center will become a strong resource for people in communities everywhere to keep older people connected.”
