Cross cultural and religious perspectives on aging and death will be the focus of the Inn Along the Way’s third summer “Challenging Conversation Circles” series. The program is taking place at the Chapman Farm, 741 Main Street in Damariscotta, Maine on Sunday, Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. Aging isn't just a biological process --- it's also very much a cultural one. As a society we are excited about discussions concerning the birth of a child or younger people. Yet in many cultures people discuss aging and death with extreme reluctance. Although we may use the same words to describe aging and death, the actual meaning and conceptualization of these two words differs widely across cultures and religions.

Different cultures apply differing meanings and divergent values to the concepts of aging. Eastern cultures tend to highly value age and wisdom, while Western cultures tend to highly value youth. Each culture has its own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life, aging, what happens when death approaches and after one dies. On August 29 guided by your facilitator Carolyn Lukensmeyer, Ph. D learn about Wabanaki, Judaic, and Muslim traditions and beliefs surrounding aging, end of life care, death and dying as you meet and interact with our panelists:

• The Wabanaki Nation - Lisa Sockabasin, MS, RN—Director, Wabanaki Public Health and Interim Director, Wabanaki Healing & Recovery Departments, WPHW
• The Jewish Community - Minda Gold, MD FAAFP – Physician, Full Circle Direct Primary Care
• The Muslim Community – Rifat A. Zaide, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon, LincolnHealth

Each panelist will be sharing their stories, perspectives, values and beliefs across cultural and religious divides. As we listen and engage in the day’s conversation we will discover that different cultures have different attitudes and practices around aging and death, and that these cultural perspectives can have a huge effect on our experience of getting older. Psychologist Erik Erickson argued that the Western fear of aging keeps us from living full lives. "Lacking a culturally viable ideal of old age, our civilization does not really harbor a concept of the whole of life," Take the time during and after the IAW’s August Challenging Conversation Circle to reflect upon each speaker’s words for insights on how, by embracing our own cultural backgrounds in new ways, aging, dying and death are more likely to be meaningful and peaceful.

Cross Cultural perspectives on aging and dying will end with the opportunity to continue your conversations while enjoying light refreshments. Current State of Maine CDC guidelines and protocols will be followed. For the safety of all, vaccinated and unvaccinated participants will be asked to wear a mask. The IAW’s fourth conversation circle “Embracing Your Season of Life & Journey No Matter Your Age” will take place on Sunday, Sept.19 at 3 p.m.

IAW’s mission is to create a collaborative community offering older adults, and those seeking temporary relief from the responsibilities of caregiving, an environment of support, purpose, and sustainability in a multigenerational and mutually interdependent setting (www.innalongtheway.org). FMI: Sherry Flint (207-751-6261) sherry@innalongtheway.org.. To make a donation: https://www.innalongtheway.org/contribute or mail a check to: IAW, PO Box 1133, Damariscotta, ME 04543.