Awhhh I can’t believe this class is coming to an end. It feels like just yesterday we were at Scripps for the retreat, trying to find our pair and getting to know one another.
Every class discussion, project, and outing has taught me so much about the aging process and life in general. Visiting Barrio Logan and the West Center and the North Park LGBTQ+ affirming affordable housing has given me so much food for thought. Prior to taking this class, I hadn’t given much thought to the ingrained ageism in American culture. As a Sociology major, my classes often focus on social inequalities and systems of oppression that perpetuate these inequalities. But aging isn’t an inequality that we usually think about, despite its far-reaching effects. It was striking to learn about the stark differences in living conditions and amenities provided to those on opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, as shown by the single room occupancies contrasted with Casa de Mañana. And the neighborhood age-friendliness assessment of Barrio Logan allowed me to put myself through the perspective of an older person, and think about possible ways to increase safety, accessibility, and resting spaces. Through the class outings and discussions, I now feel like I see the world a bit differently. I’m more aware of age-friendliness and the importance of making neighborhoods and housing accessible, affordable, age-friendly, and equitable.
I’ve also taken away so much from Leland’s book, and some of the lessons are going to stay with me forever. I think that Jonas Mekas’ story was a lovely way to end the novel. Jonas’ fervor for life and his active role in the community was truly inspiring. He emphasized the importance of continuing to do the things that bring us joy as we age, whether that be dancing and singing or directing films as he had done. His story really showed that there is so much beauty in the mundane everyday, if only we look for it. After all, as Jonas would say, “have you ever thought about how amazing, really amazing, life is?”
Every class discussion, project, and outing has taught me so much about the aging process and life in general. Visiting Barrio Logan and the West Center and the North Park LGBTQ+ affirming affordable housing has given me so much food for thought. Prior to taking this class, I hadn’t given much thought to the ingrained ageism in American culture. As a Sociology major, my classes often focus on social inequalities and systems of oppression that perpetuate these inequalities. But aging isn’t an inequality that we usually think about, despite its far-reaching effects. It was striking to learn about the stark differences in living conditions and amenities provided to those on opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, as shown by the single room occupancies contrasted with Casa de Mañana. And the neighborhood age-friendliness assessment of Barrio Logan allowed me to put myself through the perspective of an older person, and think about possible ways to increase safety, accessibility, and resting spaces. Through the class outings and discussions, I now feel like I see the world a bit differently. I’m more aware of age-friendliness and the importance of making neighborhoods and housing accessible, affordable, age-friendly, and equitable.
I’ve also taken away so much from Leland’s book, and some of the lessons are going to stay with me forever. I think that Jonas Mekas’ story was a lovely way to end the novel. Jonas’ fervor for life and his active role in the community was truly inspiring. He emphasized the importance of continuing to do the things that bring us joy as we age, whether that be dancing and singing or directing films as he had done. His story really showed that there is so much beauty in the mundane everyday, if only we look for it. After all, as Jonas would say, “have you ever thought about how amazing, really amazing, life is?”