When I was nine, I was already walking like a 90-year-old man.
I’ve had more than seven decades to adjust to the fact that walking is always tentative for me due to my cerebral palsy.
That’s always been my reality.
But, what about the otherwise healthy woman who suddenly, at 75, has a stroke and finds she needs a walker to get around? How does she adjust to that new reality? How does she let her grandkids know what feeling vulnerable has taught her about life and living -- tidbits she now wants to share with them?
I’m surprised. Very few people outside of academic circles are addressing this "aging-plus-disability" issue. But the "2.0 seniors" in America want to learn how to handle limitations effectively because 26 percent of them who are over 65 years old have acquired some form of disability.
That’s why I’m using my experience with disability to help my fellow elders adjust psychologically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually to vulnerability -- and share their stories with family and friends.
* What drives you to make the most of each day now that you are an elder?
Ellen dared to live a full life despite what many would consider impossible odds. An example of inner strength for us all - especially those times when fear or shame dominate our thoughts.
When I was nine, I was already walking like a 90-year-old man.
I’ve had more than seven decades to adjust to the fact that walking is always tentative for me due to my cerebral palsy.
That’s always been my reality.
But, what about the otherwise healthy woman who suddenly, at 75, has a stroke and finds she needs a walker to get around? How does she adjust to that new reality? How does she let her grandkids know what feeling vulnerable has taught her about life and living -- tidbits she now wants to share with them?
I’m surprised. Very few people outside of academic circles are addressing this "aging-plus-disability" issue. But the "2.0 seniors" in America want to learn how to handle limitations effectively because 26 percent of them who are over 65 years old have acquired some form of disability.
That’s why I’m using my experience with disability to help my fellow elders adjust psychologically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually to vulnerability -- and share their stories with family and friends.
* What drives you to make the most of each day now that you are an elder?
Ellen dared to live a full life despite what many would consider impossible odds. An example of inner strength for us all - especially those times when fear or shame dominate our thoughts.