#ElderWisdom Stories to Challenge Ageism

Everybody has wisdom to share, no matter if it’s during a podcast or in a regular conversation. In this session, attendees will discover how to encourage conversations with older adults and harness the power of storytelling to confront and combat ageism and spread the Wisdom of our Elders. #ElderWisdom is meant to challenge the stigma and ageism older adults face in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom older adults offer and, in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

For more than five years, The Green Bench has been a symbol of #ElderWisdom; physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation or give and offer advice. The podcast Schlegel Villages created has provided an opportunity to continue these conversations when we are unable to sit on ‘a bench’ with those around us. In a detailed search, the creators discovered co-hosts Erin and Lloyd and in the ongoing process of preparing for episodes, the Schlegel Villages communities continually engaged with residents, whether they become guests or not. Once features are recorded, listeners within the Villages, and around the world can have a seat on the ‘green bench’ virtually to hear these stories and the wisdom offered.

Participants who join this webinar will be able to:

• Learn that with a bit of creativity, there are many ways to unlock the wisdom of the elders we serve
• Understand how to combat ageism and that it can be as simple as sitting on The Green Bench and engaging and learning from one another
• Outline the importance of virtual storytelling and growing relationships through podcasting

Ted Hudson
Senior Manager of Digital Marketing
Schlegel Villages

Ted Hudson has worked in the service of older adults for more than 20 years, beginning as a recreation team member and eventually becoming the Online Engagement Manager for all of Schlegel Villages. Ted is one of the key visionaries behind the #ElderWisdom campaign that has helped challenges stereotypical views on aging. The successful Stories from the Green Bench Podcast is one of Ted’s key initiatives.