Celebrating Seniors’ Stories
Once Upon a Time…Celebrating Seniors’ Stories
A few weeks ago, Pi’s editing partner, Joanne Kaldy, participated in the MOTH Storyslam. This is a nationwide competition, a monthly event where people can tell a story related to a particular theme. The rules are pretty simple: stories are limited to five minutes, they must focus on something that happened to you personally, and no profanity is allowed. Joanne, “I won’t repeat my story here, but the theme was deceit/suspicion. While I didn’t win the competition, my story was well received by an audience of about 150 people, and I received high scores from the judges. Interestingly, the experience got me thinking about senior living.”
Joanne wanted to participate in this competition for a few reasons. “First and most obvious, I’m a storyteller by profession. I wanted to flex my narrative muscles in front of a live audience. But, less obvious and perhaps more important, I wanted to feel validated and seen. I am a woman over age 60, and the hard truth is that, in a youth-obsessed society, I – like many older women – often feel invisible or dismissed. The opportunity to engage a roomful of people, to have them hang on every word and laugh and cheer in all the right places, was too enticing to pass up.”
Pi Architects listens to residents as we build, renovate, and evolve our senior living communities. But how do communities truly allow residents to share their stories and, subsequently, live them in real time? Consider the following:
• What talents, experience, ambitions, and/or aspirations do your residents have?
• Do you have events – storytelling, karaoke, talent night, performances, book readings/signings, art shows, etc. – that spotlight residents and give talented individuals an opportunity to shine?
• Are there spaces where residents can work, create, and share with others? Art studios/gallery, theater/stage, music room, community garden/farm, classrooms, etc.?
• Are there intergenerational opportunities? Classes? Workshops? Mentoring programs? TED Talks?
• Are there spaces/opportunities for residents to start or build businesses? Dog grooming/pet sitting? Onsite or nearby farmer’s markets? Other?
More than ever, older adults want to continue to live with purpose and engage with the world around them. They are willing – even eager – to learn new technology and gain new skills. They have stories to tell and dreams to realize. We need to design communities that celebrate their stories, communities that:
• Involve residents in renovation and redesign decisions.
• Invite residents to participate in the community. For instance, a resident who is a chef or gourmet cook could do cooking demos or classes or help plan menus. A baker could work with staff to create a pop-up dessert bar. A lifelong dancer and fitness buff could lead a dance or exercise class.
• Have multi-purpose rooms equipped to be used as rehearsal spaces, classrooms, concert venues, and art exhibits.
• Make best use of outdoor spaces. Tennis courts double as pickleball courts? Instead of golf courses, they have putting greens.
• Engage residents who are artists to contribute art for the walls of public spaces and/or have a room or hallway dedicated to resident-created art.
• Determine what amenities residents most want – pet grooming stations, community gardens and/or orchards, onsite farmette (with chickens or goats), etc. – and create spaces/amenities accordingly.
• Maintain age-friendly spaces with safety features like railings and grab bars but without an institutional look or feel. These communities are fresh, attractive, intergenerationally appealing, and functional.
• Encourage residents to share their stories and find ways to live out their dreams and aspirations.
Storyslam is a great idea that senior living communities could use to keep their finger on the pulse of who their residents are and what they want. While not everyone will want to tell their story publicly, a monthly event will provide a fun opportunity for those who do. For those who don’t want to speak, consider asking a question such as, “What is your ‘happy place?’” or “What accomplishment are you most proud of?” or “Who was your hero growing up?” Give everyone an index card and let them answer in writing (anonymously). For the Storyslam, invite family members, prospective residents, and others.
Everyone has a story. Let’s make sure they’re all heard.
Pi Architects | Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
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