Valuing the aged: Studies in ageing enrichment

Abstract

This chapter explores Judaic conceptions of ageing. While often the way ageing affects us is beyond our control, the Rabbis claim that those whose latter years are filled with meaning and purpose experience ageing in a qualitatively different way. Research on ageing has increasingly recognised the concept of "ageing well," but this chapter seeks to extend the discourse by introducing the notion of "ageing enrichment." It reports on three innovative initiatives devised to mitigate the sense of marginalisation that often accompanies old age and capitalise on the capabilities of older people through intergenerational activities that could enrich their lives while benefiting others. The bulk of the chapter involves an in-depth study into a mentoring project aiming to connect the experience of seniors to provide direction and support to younger people.