Capturing wisdom through Life's Stories
Cherishing seniors' legacies through heartfelt conversations.
Real People * Real Stories * Real Wisdom
THE HEART of SOCIAL ANTHROPAULAGY
My Mission
At Social Anthropaulagy, I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell. My mission is to capture these narratives and life lessons through genuine conversations that celebrate the richness of life experiences. I am dedicated to helping seniors share their life lessons and experiences in a meaningful way.
Good stories leave an imprint on our hearts. Honoring seniors and giving them an opportunity to feel less invisible is near and dear to me. Through good old-fashioned conversation, I provide seniors with a platform to share their wisdom. These stories are about people I have met that inspired me: real-life older adults living purposefully in their later years. I am honored to help preserve these invaluable narratives for future generations. Follow me for some inspiration for Positive Aging!
Positive Aging
What do I mean when I say "Positive Aging"? Definition provided by example.
What motivates a 70 something year old to suddenly pick up a paintbrush and master a new hobby? We need to know what’s going on there because that’s a role model for aging! What pushed a sixty plus year old career banker to retire and buy a flower shop? Tap dance lessons at 80? Yes, please. For those of us that don’t quite believe that the best years are behind us, I seek out the trail blazers, the movers and shakers, to share their motivations and mind sets. If you know someone that fits this description, whose zest for life inspires you and you think their story needs to be captured, let me know and we’ll set something up. Not just the big stories, but everyday stories about what makes people over a certain age get up and get moving. Life lessons about tenacity, humor, participation in community. Let’s talk about positive aging from within because I can’t listen to another conversation about miracle creams. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Send me your tips.
Uncovering Life Stories
How Did I Get Here?
Short version? Yes, Paula, please. Well, one of my dearest senior friends, an intelligent, witty, snappily dressed woman I adore, shared with me that she felt invisible as we waited for a table at a restaurant. Another poised and elegant octogenarian I chatted with at a family wedding confided that she felt irrelevant amongst the younger crowd.
It wasn't the first time I had heard those expressions from a senior, and they stuck in my craw.
I needed to take an action.
Our seniors bring valuable contributions to the conversation, and my goal is to give them the stage.
I strive to capture real stories from real people, because they're the real superstars.
Everyone has a place at my table, where we chat and remember, laugh and cry. The life lessons are invaluable.
Hit "All about Paula" to read my whole story, including how I fire twirled at Giant Stadium, zip-lined in Antiqua, and stomped grapes in Tuscany. Kidding. I did those things but those stories are on the back burner. I'm not the story here.
Timeless Connections
I firmly believe that the elderly desire to be seen and heard, and that their stories are their legacies to pass on to us. I called them “Timeless Connections”, and I am currently working with local senior facilities to spread the message.
The art of conversation deserves a come-back and I strive to recreate this environment in a group setting where we sit and chat, perhaps over a cup of tea or coffee.
Sample topics:
1. Ask them to bring a photo/memento and let them talk about it. (This is my favorite and often brings out the most conversation.)
2. What were some of the most important traditions your family observed when you were very young?
Contact me to discuss how we can bring this activity into your setting.