Statement of Purpose

The idea is simple: visit with a senior and invite them to tell me about three objects which hold significance to them.  “Three Pieces of Me.”  The interviews will be recorded and reported here with edits by me and an accompanying photograph.  Support for this project will come from a kickstarter campaign launched in May 2015. In time this project can be carried out independently and I look forward to receiving submissions from all over the world. If you have ideas or advice or want to get interviewed or help out with this initiative please get in touch at isaacgoldszer at gmail.com

When I asked my grandmother what the hardest part of growing older was she responded simply “it is scary.”  Our elders are given medical treatments but we often neglect the emotional complications associated with aging.  Growing old can be a difficult experience and doctors may not have the resources or time to provide the emotional support needed. The current prediction for population growth in the United States has the retirement age group expanding from 38.7 million at the 2008 census to between 99 and 108 million by 2050. Coupled with a decline in the number of trained geriatricians annually to between 308-753 and an estimated deficit of 33,000 primary care physicians, the geriatric population is faced with a true obstacle to care in this country.  Disproportionately burdened with mental illness, our oldest citizens are also the most likely segment of society to complete suicide. Reminiscence therapy works to improve quality of life and as a method for early intervention in depressive episodes.  Non-professionals can provide effective support to elderly patients including reminiscence therapy and may help to offset the challenge of access to care.  By listening to the stories of these individuals I can help them start to heal from the inside out.