Today we observe Ageism Awareness Day! The American Society on Aging defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward others or ourselves based on age. Ageism can negatively impact our health, finances, and the economy.
This year Forest Hills of DC was awarded an AARP Community Challenge grant so that we could create a large-scale mural titled, “See Me, Hear Me: The Art of Living,” featuring 70 portraits of our residents and staff to tackle ageism. This public art initiative was created in partnership with Marvin Bowser Photography, Art Against Ageism, and Tenleytown Main Street and was featured during DC Art All Night in September. This mural is a testament to the wonderfully wise, inspiring, resilient, endearing and beautiful “seasoned citizens” at Forest Hills of DC and the skilled, dedicated, empathetic and loving people who are their care partners.
One of the portraits in our mural is of Memunatu (Mimi) who has been working in our beauty salon for more than five years. She has experience in nursing and cosmetology so this job blends those together, which she enjoys. “I enjoy working with the residents and hearing their stories. Just knowing that they feel good when I do their hair, that brings joy to me,” she says. Mimi is 43 years old and enjoys aging. “You grow and get to experience better things as you get older. There are pains and things along the way but it’s part of life. I enjoy life and aging is a part of it.”
Another portrait featured in our mural is of resident Nancy who is 91 years old. She is from Virginia but grew up in Washington, DC. She has a strong network of family and friends and is a great connector of people. Nancy used to be a professor at Cornell University where she taught consumer economics. “There’s been a lot of good things in my life. I’ve been able to have a very good career,” she says.
This theme of embracing aging also comes through in the story shared by our CEO Tina Sandri who is 60 years old. She has worked here for more than four years and likes how our community is able to blend systems and processes that require quality with creative freedom. She’s been working in this field for more than three decades. Working in long-term care is consistent with the values she had growing up as an Asian American. She understands the importance of respect for elders. “This exhibit is not just about displaying art; it serves as a gateway to the diverse array of stories, experiences and histories that define our community,” she shares. “We take pride in presenting the incredible lives of our residents and team members to the wider public, emphasizing their varied backgrounds, interests and skills.”
To read all the resident and staff stories captured as part of our large-scale mural, visit our digital exhibit here.
0 Comments