Friendship Village lifestyles director Michael McCann and chaplain Shawn Kafader will be teaching their program entitled Exploring the Male Journey: Understanding Your Past-Choosing Your Future at the Institute for Continued Learning of Roosevelt University early next year.

Mike and Shawn  developed the program over a year ago and have taught it successfully to residents of Friendship Village. Explaining the inception of the program, Mike said that a common and understandable phenomenon affecting retired men, is that they lose their purpose was they transition out of their professional lives. It is not unusual for retired men to have difficulty adjusting to life without identifiable quests, Mike said. This can result in depression and a loss of identity and feeling of value.  This impacts one’s health, as well as taking a toll on families and surrounding communities.

Mike and Shawn, who both have backgrounds in counseling, developed the program to help men navigate this potentially difficult time.  During the course, the participants will reflect on their past, grieve life’s losses, and be guided towards a path of wisdom in finishing their life’s journey.  The sessions include personal sharing, storytelling, and decision making.  The goal is to help the participants complete the program and assume the role of elder/mentor within their family and community.

The program will be available for members of ICLRU.

Sattler advocates that aging well is a matter of a simple and systematic attitude adjustment. That means cultivating an active mind and maintaining a positive attitude. He challenges seniors to improve their emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, physical and vocational dexterity.

To create good attitudes, positive perceptions and influence better health, Sattler recommends his “Four L’s Formula:”

1. Live life to its maximum

2. Love and develop great relationships

3. Learn and keep your mind challenged

4. Leave a legacy — by doing so you’ll fulfill the reason you’re here

Focusing on the holistic approach to health — the combination of body, mind and spirit, is what makes senior living communities so fulfilling, according to Sattler. He commends these communities for the myriad of opportunities they offer to create attitude changes. He cites the availability and quality of support systems — both professional and personal — as vital components for facing the future with confidence and enthusiasm.

Abraham Lincoln

Just as the earth needs both sunshine and rain to support life, both the good and bad in your life serve a purpose.  The bad times in life give you more of an appreciation for the good times.  Besides, there is no way to avoid life’s challenges.  Additionally, it is by overcoming hardship that you learn, grow and become stronger.

Excerpt from Bryan Golden’s article in the The Press July 23^rd 2009