This
was presented in terms of old age as a time for celebration, by Rev. Malcolm
Goldsmith, in which we approach ageing with a sense of wonder and contentment
and continuing creativity so that our journey towards death is not met with
fear and apprehension but rather with gratitude and a sense of mystery. “The
problem with ageing is not age – it is petrifaction – a rigidity of the soul –
inflexibility. It is when we close our
minds to our responsibility to ourselves and to others to keep on growing”, (Joan
Chittister). Although there are some
wonderful examples of the support provided to older people in congregations it
was felt that this needs to develop and new ways of providing a presence found.
Ageing as a spiritual matter was the theme
of Dr. Harriet Mowat’s presentation. We
must capture the story of individuals to reinforce that lives have been
meaningful; what will to be remembered about us and who will hold our memories;
do we allow time to review and reflect upon our lives and to allow time for
reconciliation. What is important is to
live in the present and have opportunities to be creative and playful.
Professor David Clark gave an overview of
end of life issues and considered the traditional approach to death as being
sudden, accepted, having rituals and probably at home but contrasted with
modern end of life being gradual, more secular with less ritual and in
hospital. Post modern he felt was unpredictable, with a stronger focus on
personal spirituality and a consumer choice as to where to die. There was a strong focus on the hospice
movement and who should take responsibility for spiritual care at the end of
life and how do we prepare staff and carers to undertake this role.
Jenny Henderson through practical exercises
and examples illustrated the importance of being able to communicate well with
older people who had dementia. It was
more than speech. It was thinking of
ways to help them express themselves and their needs through a variety of
creative ways and ensuring that we adapt to their individual requirements. This required time and patience.
The presentations were followed by a lively
Panel Discussion
“A
most encouraging event, with some very impressive people” (Conference
participant)
The conference was a collaborative
event between, Faith in Older People, Glasgow University, Scottish Episcopal
Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway and the Church of Scotland. We received support from St. John’s Dumfries;
ACTS and Glasgow University.
