Though aging is sometimes seen as a negative part of life, one retired Gladstone physician is working to quell that misconception and instead, teach how we can flourish and live joyfully in our golden years.
Dr. Mary Whitmer will be giving a free presentation for the general public about the topic of aging and how to flourish and find joy in your life, no matter what stage you are in. Her presentation will be on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gary Abrahamson, Jr. Memory Care Center (GAJMCC), located at 2635 1st Ave. So.
“The talk is regarding the gift of years,” Dr. Whitmer explained. “There is much we cannot control in the path chosen for us in terms of aging, disease and losses in life, but perspective impacts true flourishing, and reflecting on what true happiness is can help prepare our hearts and minds for tough times ahead,” Dr. Whitmer said. “So, please join me on Wednesday, February 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gary Abrahamson Memory Care Center.”
Whitmer said that this presentation will focus a bit more on the aspects of the “winter” of life (advanced age when life is slowing down), in keeping with the seasons, reflecting on how the fire, ice and snow of winter have their own beauty and purpose even though they are sometimes fraught with pain and suffering. “Finding meaning and gaining perspective can help the beauty become more apparent,” she said.
Mary Uelmen, manager of the GAJMCC, says that Dr. Whitmer’s talk will teach that the key to flourishing is finding joy in the ‘autumn’ and ‘winter’ of life. “Dr. Whitmer will discuss what people can do to learn how to live gratefully and prepare for the ‘winter’ of life,” Uelmen said. “Dr. Whitmer originally gave this talk in October, and we are bringing it back because her first presentation was so well-received, that we’ve since had many requests for her to do another talk on the same topic.
Uelmen added that she tries to hold these educational presentations monthly at the Gary Abrahamson, Jr. Memory Care Center, and they are always free and open to the public.
After her presentation, Dr. Whitmer will also hold a question and answer session, so that those at the presentation can ask questions and share their thoughts and observations. “I encourage people to come and share their personal encounters with the ‘winter’ of life at the conclusion of the talk,” Dr. Whitmer noted. “I encourage multi-generations to attend together.”
Dr. Whitmer retired from her family practice at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group – Gladstone on May 1, 2019. However, Dr. Whitmer has remained on the OSF St. Francis Hospital Medical staff and will continue to provide care to residents of its local nursing home facilities. Dr. Whitmer began her career in 1988 as a private practice physician in Gladstone. In 1995, the practice merged with OSF and today is OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group – Gladstone. She spent her entire career serving patients out of the OSF Gladstone Clinic on Michigan Ave. until 2017 when OSF HealthCare built the existing building on 4th Avenue NE. Dr. Whitmer is a member of the Catholic Medical Association.
For more information on this topic, call (906) 786-5810, Ext. 150.
