This year, besides being in the concentrated Social Work program, I am also taking the Aging Option which tacks on one more class each semester my first year. As a result of taking this semester’s class (Health and Aspects of Aging), I have been being more intentional in observing how the elderly (the term older adults (Robnett & Chop, 2010) is the more appropriate way to refer to this demographic) are treated in the world around me. Being a frequent city transit user, I see that the older adults are not always offered a seat when the bus is full; from working in retail, I know that sales associates are reluctant to help older adults as they will take twenty or more minutes of your time only to tell you that they will leave to think about the purchase; and from living in a culture where popular media bombards you at literally every corner, I know that older adults are often portrayed as frail, incompetent, and basically unnecessary. My question is how older adults were viewed by Indigenous culture and what role they play(ed) in their community.
In her article on learning models of the Indigenous, “Understanding Learning Ideology Through Storywork with Elders”, Atleo looks at the role elders (an English word used by the Indigenous to refer to their older adults) played in their community and family units. From surveying five elders and having them examine a story and share how it reflects their culture (455 – 456), she finds that “the experiences of grandparents were expected to provide examples of successful living and models of activities, attitudes, and behaviors for their grandchildren… …. Grandparents had the experience, the moral and social right, to provide a running commentary on the parenting activities of the community” (461). To be an example and to provide construction criticism (and maybe even correction) to the happenings in the family and community were part of the function of their older adults. When this happens today, it can be viewed as prying, nosing around, and even offensive. In an article found in the Saskatchewan Sage, one elder shares her purpose as an elder in the modern world, “There were so many lost souls in this world because they don’t have their language and culture. I’d like to at least give them that chance. If I know it I can teach it and restore some of their pride, and identity and foundation of self worth” (6), speaking of the high teen suicide rate that once plagued her community. While she might not be able to share all of the stories an elder once was able to, she is attempting to keep the language and the remnants she knows alive through teaching and writings; very admirable.
The role of older adults has clearly changed this past hundred years; as our society keeps focusing on the specialness and uniqueness of individuality, and as we keep listening to it, we move further from learning from older members of our community. If you haven’t found this to be true yet, the time we have with our grandparents might not be a long lasting one. If you are able to, follow through with the teachings of the Indigenous and find out what stories the older adults in your life can share and what you can learn from them. Nostalgic connotations aside, I’m sure they will love you to sit with them and spend time listening to what they have to say. Make this a personal policy for you ;)
Kel
Atleo, M. (2009). Understanding aboriginal learning ideology through storywork with elders. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 55(4), 453-467. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/pqdlink?vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=2170783171&scaling=FULL&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1321750925&clientId=12305
Grebinski, L. (2011). Storytelling festival celebrates traditions. Saskatchewan Sage, 15(6), 6. Retrieved from http://content.ebscohost.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/pdf25_26/pdf/2011/GN7/01Mar11/59353662.pdf?T=P&P=AN&K=59353662&S=R&D=fth&EbscoContent=dGJyMNHX8kSep7c4zOX0OLCmr0meqLBSr664TbeWxWXS&ContentCustomer=dGJyMPGrs0m3qrBMuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA
Robnett, R. H., & Chop, W. C. (2010). Gerontology for the health care professional. (2 ed., p. 21). Mississauga: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Atleo, M. (2009). Understanding aboriginal learning ideology through storywork with elders. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 55(4), 453-467. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/pqdlink?vinst=PROD&fmt=6&startpage=-1&vname=PQD&RQT=309&did=2170783171&scaling=FULL&vtype=PQD&rqt=309&TS=1321750925&clientId=12305
