Between the 1500s and the latter part of the 20th century in Western society, old age was increasingly seen in a negative light. Elders were seen as having little social capital – nothing to contribute to the ongoing society. During this time, elders were largely perceived as having minimal potential for learning or creative development. The ancient idea that old age was part of a divine mystery gave way to a secular, materialistic, and individualistic worldview in which old age was denigrated.
Over the last three decades, this negative paradigm has started to change. Discoveries in neuroscience suggest that the normal aging process of the human brain leaves most cognitive functions working well. Indeed, this process may provide unique capacities that form the basis for wisdom. Scholars who study aging, professionals who serve older adults, and, most importantly, elders themselves are redefining old age in a positive light. This is not to deny the physical and cognitive ravages of old age.
As part of this, LEAD provides learning and teaching opportunities for older adults and intergenerational education. In The Soul of Education Rachel Kessler provides a key underpinning in LEAD philosophy. This text focuses upon
- yearning for deep connection
- longing for silence and solitude
- search for meaning and purpose
- hunger for joy and delight
- creative drive
- urge for transcendence
- desire for initiation.
These ideas are found to be especially salient when elders and young adult college students act as learners and teachers as they encounter each other. LEAD seeks to develop the mutual social capital of youth and age. Typically, youth provide energy and excitement. Age brings perspective, depth, and wisdom.
In The World’s Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions Huston Smith writes:
All of us dwell on the brink of the infinite ocean of life’s creative power. We carry it within us: supreme strength, the fullness of wisdom, unquenchable joy. It is never thwarted and cannot be denied. But it is hidden deep, which is what makes life a problem. The infinite is down in the darkest, profoundest vault of our being, in the forgotten well-house, the deep cistern. What if we could bring it to light and draw from it unceasingly? (p. 26)
Reference here is to the infinite – and since, in general, elders are closer to the infinite, it is this age group who may more readily plumb the depth discussed by Smith. In any case, LEAD interacts with elders to free from their cisterns their strength, wisdom, and joy.