When I tell people I am a gerontologist, two things happen. One, they get confused and most often when they ask me what that is, they can't pronounce it. I often get, you are a geriontologist? A geri what? That's the thing that deals with rocks, right?
On the other hand, for those that do know what it is often state the obvious. They say, "that is a growing field you know? You will be very busy!" I think that's my favorite one of all. I swear, if only I could get a dollar for every time I heard that I could retire by now. I also get, how can you possibly want to work with older people?...you must have a lot of patience".
Regardless of the above scenarios, I often find that the conversation flows into a discussion about a grandparent or an older person that has inspired them or touched them in some significant way. Or they tell me about the time they helped an older woman cross the street or caught a man who near fell on a subway.
I think in part of the reason why I love what I do most, and why I chose to work in this field (one of many reasons) is that this is one of the benefits. I get to hear beautiful accounts of peoples stories and experiences which never ceases to inspire me. In a way, it gives me the fuel to do what I do.
So, if at any point you would like to share a story about the experiences you have had with an older adult who inspired you or touched you in some special way, please contact me at elisekayfetz@gmail.com.
I am working on building my own website and will have an entire section reserved for personal stories about how older adults have inspired you! Stay tuned!
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