A book that challenges the perceptions of aging, inviting readers to embrace life in their senior years, is hitting the shelves.
Maple Ridge resident Miranda Sutherland, the former reverend at Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Whonnock, wrote "Age-ing Out Loud" in an effort to help seniors view aging not as a period of decline, but an opportunity for continued growth, connection, and meaningful contribution.
"It emphasizes the importance of community, lifelong learning, and active engagement in fostering a fulfilling life in one's later years," described the 67-year-old author.
The book, she noted, was born out of a context paper she was writing for her graduate studies at Kairos University, Sioux Falls, USA, about re-imagining seniors.
Sutherland noticed there was a need for a book on "positive aging".
Now serving the parish of St. John the Apostle in Port Moody, she asked herself, how are seniors being nurtured who come to church, how is she getting to the core of where people are in life as they become seniors.
At seniors' homes, she said, the main concern is about the health of seniors and recreation.
"So, I narrowed my thinking to address active, healthy seniors. Those who are 65 and over and they are still fit like a fiddle," she explained.
"How are we responding to those? We continue with the stereotype of you are old, you are to give way to the young people," added Sutherland, about lumping all seniors into one category, which, she said is ageism, the discrimination against a person because of their age.
In her book, Sutherland uses personal anecdotes, reflective exercises and inspiring narratives, to motivate seniors to cherish every day, to celebrate their unique journeys and recognize the profound impact that they have on the world around them.
She noted the book underscores the importance of community, life-long learning, and self-empowerment. There are themes of spirituality, community involvement, and person reflection.
"My book is inviting persons to earn their keeps, is to say you have earned this," Sutherland said. "Not many persons get to retirement, it is something to be bold and confident about. Yes? It is something to recognize that you have accumulated wisdom over these many decades, accumulated wisdom and experience and you have a right of place. It gives you permission, therefore, to be confident and to be thankful and to make yourself available to doing more than you think you can do."
Another theme in her book is releasing past regrets, and how to do that by reframing the narratives and messages attached to those regrets in order to let go and forgive.
Sutherland also touches on how spirituality helps in aging and how spiritual needs often intensify as people age. Through her own research, she said, her own spiritual journey has deepened, leading her to integrate spiritual practices into her approach to aging, and recognizing that fulfillment comes from nurturing her soul, in addition to the body.
Sutherland attributes her 82-year-old Jamaican friend, whom she has known for more than three decades, as shaping her perspective on aging with purpose.
She said his influence, stories, insights, and encouragement contributed significantly to her literary work.
"Oftentimes he is my first editor," she noted.
"Age-ing Out Loud" challenges aging stereotypes – that aging is synonymous with physical and mental decline, and that older adults are not interested in socializing, technology, exercise, and learning.
Sutherland is hoping seniors who read her book will be inspired to: live authentically; embrace their true self without apology; pursue their passions; contribute to the community; practice mindfulness and emotional well-being; and embrace lifelong learning and curiosity.
"In essence, 'Age-ing Out Loud' serves as both a mirror and a beacon—reflecting the richness of life lived and illuminating the path forward for those ready to embrace the fullness of their journey," said Sutherland.
For more information about Miranda Sutherland go to: https://mirandaspeaks.com/.
