Life Lessons with Lois

 One of my favorite people, Lois Blackwell Witherspoon.

Life Lessons with Lois

Although born and raised in a generation when women were expected to fulfill the role of wife and mother, Lois Blackwell Witherspoon rose above the conventional stereotypes and forged a new path. Her sage wisdom is an invaluable tool for young and old alike and it is through her stories, memories, and the application of such, that some of life’s greatest lessons involving intercultural communication are presented. We can improve intercultural communication by seeking to understand and appreciate the valuable insights, of those who differ from us, thereby exercising curiosity about individuals in terms of generation, subgroups, experiences, and viewpoints on subjects which include childhood, the influence of news media, language, family life, work, gender, government, technology, and continued communications across cultures.

Lois is an extraordinary woman whose insights on life stem directly from her childhood during The Great Depression, World War II, and rearing at the hands of her loving, but strict Christian grandparents. In addition to being a widow, she has been divorced twice. Furthermore, Lois is a professional organist who developed a famed system of instruction, and is a published author. Currently, she travels around her home in Phoenix to give organ lessons, attend a grief group, and counsels other widowed seniors. Two days after this interview, Lois became a member of another subgroup as she lost her only child, to Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, she is now part of the subgroup of parents who have outlived their adult children. Her other subgroups are: Caucasian ethnicity, strict Christian upbringing, Depression Era, divorcee, widow, author, organist, organ instructor, and senior grief counselor.

Candy Crush Isn’t Just for Kids! : Senior Citizens and Social Media

Although it is tempting to associate technology and the use of social media with younger individuals, there is another segment of society for which these tools have become important. As senior citizens encounter loss of loved ones, physical debilitations, and a society which changes at break-neck speed, feelings of depression and loneliness are often experienced. However, technology has become more affordable and user friendly, thus, more seniors are turning to social media for companionship, information, and entertainment. While senior citizens face many challenges associated with aging, those who use technology and social media experience a multitude of benefits which include renewed vitality, a greater voice and recognition in society, increased connectivity and involvement, and expanded interaction with family and friends.
 
 As technology advances and becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of citizens around the world, the importance of digital literacy is unquestionably linked to societal relevance. Indeed, a disparity exists between those who use electronic means of communication and those who do not. For the purposes of this discussion the concentration will be on equipping elderly citizens with the knowledge of technology, via social media, thus empowering them with information, skills, and interaction which are not hindered by limited mobility. Educators agree that "senior citizenship is turned into a new stage of life, in which idleness symbolizes the practice of new activities, under the label of dynamism" (Adriano, Dante, Johannes, 2012, para. 1). Indeed, it is within the power of society to improve and empower its aging populations. Unlike the younger members of society, seniors came of age in an era which was not dominated by technology, but by machines and manual labor.