Wisdom and Maturity 

Two years ago FitC sponsored a special Book Review and Discussion Group concerning Atul Gawande’s book “BEING MORTAL”. It was a popular topic that dealt with the reality of aging and frailty. Dr. Gawande wrote about the inevitability of decline in aging, and death. He presented the social and medical issues that may not be controlled by the elderly. Our discussion groups asked whether there were ways to make the complications of aging more manageable. It was felt that there were not only the physical (external factors) presented by Dr. Gawande but also spiritual (internal factors) that give us inner strength and understanding.

FitC then had a series of discussions termed “Spirituality of Growing Old”.  We defined spirituality in this setting as an inner strength that enhances awareness of self and expresses the dimensions of integrity,wisdom, and transcendence. However the term spirituality seemed to confuse our thoughts with formal religion. Most recently we have researched the concepts of internal factors that provide successful aging.

 We have evolved now into a pilot group that has been exploring conscious aging or developing wisdom in facing daily situations of aging. Through discussion of books such as “Conscious Living/Aging”  by Ron, Pevny and “Still Here: Embracing Aging,Changing and Dying” by Ram Dass, we hope to gain a practical wisdom in dealing with the day to day activities of our third phase of life. 

The group will meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2:00 pm at the Symphony House.  The location within the building will be provided to those who register.  The location will be totally accessible with no stairs.

The group's facilitators are Mary and Sal Scialla, retired nurse/chaplain and physician, who are active FitC members.

There is no charge for this FitC group, but FitC membership is required.