Aging IS Living

Aging IS Living:
An Interview with Irene Borins Ash

Irene Borins Ash is a social worker and consultant on aging who has worked with older people for many years in Toronto. She is the photographer and author of Treasured Legacies, Older and Great, and Aging is Living: Myth-breaking Stories from Long-Term Care. ElderWise interviewed Irene to hear about the lessons she has learned through her work with seniors.

How did you begin your social work practice with seniors?

I began my career as a tapestry weaver and then, at the age of 35, completed my Masters of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City. One of my first positions involved providing a respite program for family caregivers and this connected me to seniors. I discovered how comfortable I was with seniors, and how interested I was in them as unique individuals. I admired their wisdom, and some became long-time friends and mentors to me.

In "Treasured Legacies" you wrote that some of the seniors you met as a social worker were depressed and leading painful existences but others were dynamic, and filled with vitality. Some were "aging from the inside out." What do you think accounts for the major differences in how people experience aging?

I think that early childhood experiences and having positive role models in their lives play a part in how people face their own aging. Beyond that, I think that some adopt an attitude, a positive intention to make the best of life now, and what is left to live. Perhaps we make decisions based on our perspective of time - and some seniors have learned to focus on what really matters in life.

As you look back over your many years of experience as a social worker, author, speaker, and photographer, what are the major changes you see in society's attitudes about aging? Do you think that "boomers" are prepared for their own aging, and for their role in supporting aging parents?

On the surface, it seems that many people are afraid of aging; they are even afraid of the "face of aging" and will do everything that they can so they do not "look their age." Although boomers may fear aging, in my experience they are very willing to become totally involved in helping their parents.

I also see a wave of young people who have great respect for humanity. They pay respect to the planet and to the environment, and they are looking for a richer way of life than the acquisition of material things. I think that these young people will be more open in embracing both aging and the aged, as part of their commitment to humanity.

From your work and your relationships with seniors, what are the lessons that you are taking into your own life?

First, I am learning to change what I can, and to accept what I cannot change. I have learned to be less critical, and more compassionate and tolerant. I believe that we make decisions all the time that can affect our health now and as we grow older.

I have become much more committed to exercising both my body and my mind. I make choices every day such as walking instead of driving. I look for many new ways to engage in mental stimulation such as learning Adobe® Photoshop® - a challenging digital imaging program. And when age-related changes have occurred for me personally, I have made the decision to modify my lifestyle to cope with the changes.

I am grateful to the mentors that I have had. Some such as Dr. Jean Vanier, Dr. David Suzuki, June Callwood, and Swami Pramathananda had a major effect on me. They taught me to be more comfortable with who I am. Their wisdom has become my wisdom.

You have a unique perspective on aging in our society. As you reflect on your career, what do you see as your major contribution?

I hope that I made a difference. By combining my knowledge as a social worker and my skills as a photographer, I have tried to demonstrate our connection to a larger social message.

In my book, Aging Is Living, Myth-breaking Stories from Long-term Care, I have tried to reduce the fear the public holds for long-term care. This project gave me the opportunity to spread the message that life in a long-term care facility does not have to be waiting for the end of life, but an opportunity to engage in a new phase of one's life, and to do things that they could not do when they were younger. My work allows me to tell the stories, through words and images, of those who are not often acknowledged.

Irene Borins Ash is a social worker, photographer, author, and speaker. For more information about Irene and her work, visit www.ireneborinsash.com

Editor's Note: I have worked with and been inspired by seniors all of my life. I want to express my personal gratitude to Irene for her body of work. Through her images and words, she is giving a voice to those in society who might otherwise be dismissed. -- Maureen Osis

Vol. 5, No. 12, © ElderWise Publishing 2009.
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Originally published by ElderWise Inc. We provide clear, concise and practical direction to Canadians with aging parents. Visit us at http://elderwise.ca and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.