All good wishes for a peaceful and successful 2016. New Year ushers in a sense of hope and the possibility of change. It is a time for resolutions and looking forward, making plans and hoping for change. Change in our personal circumstances, in our society and the world as a whole. Change is often difficult […]
Refreshing the spirit
It feels as if it was only yesterday that we were thinking about 2015 and what we wanted to achieve. The time seems to have flashed past and as we reach the end of this year we reflect on what has happened to us and to others in the past months. For many it has […]
How Listening Can Bring Life
A day event for anyone involved with Pastoral Care of older people Why Listening to our older people is especially important in our society that remains focused on activity and achievements and does not value quality of life experience and the wisdom that comes from living a long life. Yet our older people do face […]
Malcolm Goldsmith Lecture 2015 given by Professor Sir Harry Burns
The causes of wellness throughout life – Professor Sir Harry Burns 17thNovember 2015 This year’s lecture was given by Professor Sir Harry Burns, Professor of Global Health at Strathclyde University. It was challenging and thought provoking and made us consider all the factors which impact on our well-being. He stressed that it is not just […]
Reflections on the 6th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality
I recently attended this conference which I found inspiring and affirming. It was a wonderful opportunity to follow up the previous conference which FiOP organised with Methodist Homes and the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, Edinburgh University. The conference, held over four days, was rich and varied and the participants were very friendly and […]
Music to their ears
There is a substantial body of research that provides evidence of the crucial role that music plays in support of people with dementia, writes Diana Kerr. We all respond to music. Mothers sing to their newborn babies to calm and make them feel secure; adults turn to music to express emotions, reflect feelings, to make […]
Don’t Mention the Coal Scuttle
This book about bereavement is not just one person’s important experiences; nor is it an academic investigation into the common threads among those suffering severe grief. “Don’t Mention The Coal Scuttle” is a compilation from over fifty different and real experiences of those facing the death of a husband, a wife, a partner, a soul […]
Happiness Habits for Older People
I really love this title but it also provides food for thought as it challenges us to think about and take action in relation to the people, activities and ideas which contribute to our happiness. Happiness takes a little effort. An organisation called ‘Outside the Box’ worked with groups of older people to discuss their […]
Faith in Action
Faith in Older People frequently highlights the often unsung contribution made by the churches to those who are vulnerable in our society. I recently attended the Annual Gathering of the Church of Scotland Guild in Dundee and this was really brought home to me. Two thousand women and men (what was the Women’s Guild is […]
Why is going outside so crucial for older people and people with dementia?
Professor Mary Marshall will be giving a seminar on the ‘Outside World and Wellbeing’ on 29thSeptember at 2.00 in the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. There are lots of serious mental and physical health benefits of going outside. Here are a few:- 20 minutes outside in the sun will give us our daily dose […]