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Understanding Aging Through Lived Experiences
Understanding Aging Through Lived Experiences
Every person experiences aging differently. Every older adult has a unique story shaped by their relationships, culture, health, personal experiences, etc. This module shares real perspectives from older adults to better understand the realities of aging.
Susie, 82
Susie, 82
"I was always under the impression growing up that retirement meant slowing down and life would get boring, but I've never been busier. I volunteer twice a week, am involved in my church, travel with my friends, and host Mahjong every Wednesday"
George, passed
George, passed
"The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in 70 or 80 years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all."
"The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in 70 or 80 years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all."
To learn more about older adults' experiences visit Santa Clara's Living History Project. This video series brings together retired faculty and gerontology students, sharing meaningful conversations about life in and beyond the classroom.
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Below is a clip from an interview where retired faculty member, Diane Dreher shares her experiences with ageism. Hearing firsthand how ageism affects individuals helps put its real-world impact into perspective.
Featured Interview: Diane Dreher
Featured Interview: Diane Dreher
Dr. Dreher Clip .mp4Words of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom
“The opinion which other people have of you is their problem not yours” - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
“Be more thankful, be less self-centered, count your blessings daily, be less judgmental. Laugh more and live each day to the fullest. Above all, forgive others for you never know what can happen. Everything can change in an instant.” -Maxine
“Enjoy every minute to the fullest and don’t sweat the little stuff because life flashes by in what seems like a blink of an eye.” -Carol
References
IMDb. (n.d.). Richard Beymer. IMDb. Retrieved June 1, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000937
Bond, L. (n.d.). 15 seniors give advice to their younger selves. Seasons Retirement Communities. Retrieved June 1, 2026, from https://seasonsretirement.com/15-seniors-give-advice-to-their-younger-selves/
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