Connecting Our Elders
- Improves the quality of life for the elderly
- Improves the health of our communities
- Preserves their stories
Connecting Our Youth
- Teaches children to recognize the wisdom and value of the elderly
- Promotes intergenerational respect
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In the creation of Earth's Elders, Jerry Friedman met, interviewed and photographed some of the world¹s oldest elders – 110 years old or older (supercentenarians, as researchers call them). Here, we've captured their influential stories to share with you. Click on a picture to explore the life of one of our supercentenarians.
Doris Prater, b. October 26,1893
London, England
From her Majesty's family upstairs to the people in service downstairs, the British Isles has shown me such contrasts of life that it's often given me pause to think. I drove into Rugby at twilight, which in England in early December seems to begin at three in the ... more on Doris
Pearl Gartrell, b. April 1, 1888
Tillsdale, Georgia. USA
It was not yet nine o'clock in the morning and the heat was rising out of the grass. I had found Pearl and her grandniece Lolita in a modest apartment in a rundown section of Jacksonville, Florida. The screen door hung from the hinge, and children ran around playing ... more on Pearl
Swami Bua, b. 1889
Pollachi, India
I was very skeptical of a supercentenarian living in New York City. It was even more improbable to find a supercentenarian Indian yogi. But I did find one on the West side of Manhattan in a small one-bedroom apartment. A woman in Miami who had studied under him ... more on Swami
Ann Smith, b. March 2, 1891
Latrobe, Pennsylvania. USA
Mrs. Smith was the first person I photographed for this project. I realize in hindsight that my long journey began with her and that what she taught me that crisp morning in Manchester-by-the-Sea would ultimately change all of my preconceived ideas about this project. ... more on Ann
Damchaagiin Gendendarjaa
b. January 3, 1893
Omnogobiamag, Mongolia
Stepping off the plane at 12:30 a.m. into minus 26 degree air might sound like the beginning of a novel about traveling to another planet, but when I stepped off the plane into the cold morning air of Mongolia, I did enter ... more on Damchaagiin
Linus Reinhart, b. July 28, 1892
London, England
During World War II, Linus had three sons missing in action. The family was amazed that he accepted this with a kind of inner tranquility. All came back. One had been a prisoner of war for twenty months, another a survivor on a ship that went down, killing seven hundred men ... more on Linus
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Create a Postcard
Whether you’re a student looking to get in touch with an elder or an elder wanting to send a little love to your grandchildren, we’ve created a special way to get and stay connected. All you have to do when creating a postcard is upload a picture, add a few words, press send and your message will be instantly delivered. Create and share your story now.
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Creating possibilities that enhance the well-being and quality of life of older adults everywhere is what you'll discover at the Sheridan Elder Research Centre (SERC). Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, SERC's mission is to design, test and implement innovative, but practical, solutions that take research 'From Lab to Life TM', research that improves the day-to-day lives of older adults and their families …more on SERC
There are many ways we can bring our elders and youngest together. Use these drop down menus to help find what you’re looking for and to better your experience.
Keep up with recent Earth’s Elders events and find information on the next event near you. |
