National Centenarian Awareness Project
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Founded in 1989 by Lynn Peters Adler, J.D. - Centenarian Expert and Older Adults Advocate

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National Centenarian Awareness Project/Centenarian Project Inspiring Positive Aging. Our nonprofit organization celebrates active centenarians as role models for the future of aging. On our BLOG, we discuss centenarians and what it’s like to Live to 100 and Beyond.


My Mom Anne
by Claire Abel
My Mom, Anne, has lived with my husband, Lyle, and me for the last 16 years. She was 87 when she arrived, old in years, but not in spirit or her desire to live life. That was nice for me because I could take her everywhere, shopping, out to breakfast, lunch or dinner, out with friends, to concerts, visiting friends at their homes and to church. She never said "no" and loved getting out if just to ride in the car.

My Mom is now 103. She is still in relatively good health and takes no medication at all, except for vitamins. However, her hearing is very bad and even with her hearing aids, she has difficulty with conversations. Her macular degeneration has deteriorated her eyesight to the point where she can no longer read and can hardly see the TV screen.

She fills her days by listening to "talking books" which I get for her from the library. She is still able to go out, but it is not easy walking down our 15 steps from her bedroom or back up them again, so we plan our days where she does not have to tackle this feat more than once a day, and only with our assistance which has been necessary for many years.


Claire and her Mom, Anne
Mother's Day 2012

Her memory is not what it once was and since she is completely aware of that fact, it makes her panicky at times. I told her that being aware of her forgetfulness or loss of memory is a good thing and not to worry because we are here to help her with everything. People that are in an advanced state of dementia are not aware of this. 

The title of one of my favorite songs is There is joy in serving Jesus. Serving Jesus can be done in different ways; for example, in Matthew 25: 37–40, the Bible states:

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

I am blessed that she has been able to completely care for her bodily needs for so long, cleaning herself and dressing herself with the clothes that I laid out for her. Only lately, I’ve had to step in assist her in more personal ways. This embarrasses her to a great degree. I try to assure her that I understand and that it is not easy for me either but that she should try and be thankful that her daughter cares enough to do these personal things instead of a stranger.


Claire, as a child, and her Mom


Mom and Claire, May 2012

It is not easy for me when she takes my help as a personal insult and I do not always react in a positive manner. I am the only one doing this for her and I am turning out to be "the bad guy." At that point, I have to leave the room to "regroup," many times in tears. I do not want to say something that I will later regret because it is not necessarily what you say, but the tone of voice you use to say it. Kindness under pressure is easier to say than to do; nevertheless, it is of utmost importance.

I have found, over the years that my being able to cope in a happy, positive manner depends on no one other than ME. First of all, I have to be happy! So I try to get enough sleep. No one can function or have patience with the lack of sleep when everything feels overwhelming. I try to surround myself with the things that I love and that make me happy. I have my two Maltese sweeties, Snuggle and Pancake. I love music. It immediately transports me to another level and fills the house with beautiful melodies. I love to sing to the music! Attending church every week helps "recharge my batteries." Afterward, I am equipped again to face a new week knowing that I am not in this alone. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Click to continue reading Claire's story

   

National Centenarian Awareness Project (NCAP) a nonprofit  organization, was founded by Lynn Peters Adler, J.D., who has devoted her career to honoring, studying, and advocating for increased recognition and inclusion of centenarians and all elders as a natural part of the fabric of our society.  Lynn has a wealth of information about this increasing segment of our population and centenarians in particular. Because of her rapport with this special group, she has a unique understanding of their needs, thoughts, behavior and philosophies of life. Lynn’s work is predicated on the belief that ageism in America is both wrong and unnecessary.

Lynn Peters Adler with centenarians Rosie Ross, Lillian Cox, Elsa Hoffmann, Karl Hartzell and Dorothy Young

 

      Lynn Peters Adler (center) with centenarians (l-r) "Rosie"   
      Ross, Lillian Cox, Elsa Hoffmann and Karl Hartzel. Dorothy
      Young, inset. Click to read more about the "Fab Five" and
      the Barbara Walters Special
.  Click here to read bios of 
     each of the "Fab Five."

     Lynn’s voice on centenarians, longevity and positive aging, with an emphasis on quality of life issues, has been heard throughout the United States. She continues her long-standing involvement in community service with her appointment to a new term on the Arizona Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging (www.azgovernor.gov/gaca)  and the Arizona Attorney General’s Senior Advisory Council.  For ten years she served as chairperson of the Phoenix Mayor’s Aging Services Commission.  She founded the Arizona Centenarian Program during her first term on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging in the mid 1980s. (click for more: About Lynn Peters Adler)
      Lynn, through her company Sterling Resources Inc., is a consultant to businesses
on programs relating to aging, longevity, centenarians and others of advanced age. She also serves as a catalyst to bring active centenarians to the public’s attention, often through print and broadcast media.

National Centenarian Awareness Project Mission:

“It is a great distinction to live to 100 years or more.” – Lynn Peters Adler, 1985

ADVOCACY:
For the continued involvement of our elders as integral members of society.

CELEBRATION/RECOGNITION:
NCAP seeks to contact and honor all those 100 years old and older as our living links to history and works with community entities to promote recognition of our eldest citizens. Click to learn about NCAP Centenarian Recognition Program.

INSPIRATION:
Active centenarians, who display a positive attitude, are role models for the future of aging.

For more information about National Centenarian Awareness Project, click on About NCAP and read our blog: www.liveto100and beyond.com

Direct email to: adler@NCAP100s.org
602-363-8980
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Updated 5-2013 Click for Donation Page

© 1998-2013 National Centenarian Awareness Project & Lynn Peters Adler, J.D.
No material, in whole or in part, may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Lynn Peters Adler and the National Centenarian Awareness Project.

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