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Dr. Laura Mosqueda Champions Benefits of “Village Movement” at Pasadena Village Annual Meeting

Published on Monday, June 15, 2015 | 1:15 pm
 
Villagers listen to keynote speaker Dr. Laura Mosqueda

On June 7, members and friends of the Pasadena Village gathered to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their vibrant community of older adults. The crowd of eighty-two guests was treated to a keynote speech and conversation with Dr. Laura Mosqueda, whose research at USC’s Keck School of Medicine centers on the intersection of health and social justice. Board President Mike Babcock presented outgoing Executive Director Sue Kujawa with a plaque honoring her contributions to the organization, as well as a lifetime membership to enjoy during her retirement.

Keynote speaker Dr. Laura Mosqueda elicited knowing laughter from the crowd with her aging-themed puns and cheerful confidence. Noting that “geriatrics, more than any field in medicine, is a team sport,” Dr. Mosqueda went on to praise the cooperative model of the Village movement. By working together, people help one another avoid the isolation that makes older adults vulnerable in myriad ways. She noted that organizations like the Pasadena Village “bring us to more and deeper trusted relationships,” making critical support during challenging situations possible.

Member-volunteers Margie Mason & Peggy Sisson greet guests

Dr. Mosqueda spoke passionately about the importance of “receiving care in a gracious way.” While the number one fear among older Americans is loss of independence, Dr. Mosqueda asserted that independence is a myth as old as the American Dream. Instead, she championed interdependence as the reality we live in—a much healthier reality that wards off the dangers of isolation. “The Village movement can help us find and remain in that sweet spot of appropriate interdependence,” she concluded to enthusiastic applause.

Enthusiastic applause also greeted Executive Director Sue Kujawa, who was confronted with not one, but two standing ovations. During her speech, Kujawa treated Villagers to her musings on the classic poem, “All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten,” by Robert Fulghum. (What’s old is young again.) The twist, of course, was detailing all she had learned during her tenure at the Pasadena Village.

“There is no end to the desire and ability to learn and grow,” she began. “I’ve also learned that you are never too old to make new friends…I’ve watched folks share stories, laughs, and tears with people they hadn’t know before.” Most Village activities are designed to bring members and volunteers closer together, providing them with the support they need to face aging-related challenges in their lives.

Kujawa touched on the fact that “the aging process does go on,” which was made salient by the loss of seven Village members over the past year. “That is why the learning and the building of friendships is so important…because while we are here on this earth we are meant to be alive – and the meaningfulness in being alive comes from learning and being in community.” Kujawa concluded her reflections on her three years at the helm with another kindergarten lesson applicable to the Pasadena Village: “When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”

 

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