Serving Our Seniors Magazine July - September 2025

People of younger age have more in common with people of older age than is realized. As our American culture evolves into the future, it continues to exclude and separate older people. This causes reduced respect and increased marginalization, compared to younger adults. Gerontology is the study of aging - physical, psychological, sociological. Nancy Dellisanti brings gerontology to life at Perkins and Sandusky high schools. This experience busts myths and misunderstandings. That matters! Here’s why… Almost 1/3 of Erie County is age 60 +. As more people advance in age, there will be societal consequences. How Erie County responds will depend on how well our leaders understand “gerontology.” High school students are our future leaders. Thanks to the sociology teachers at Perkins High School and Sandusky High School, Nancy Dellisanti, Serving Our Seniors Program Coordinator, recruits retirees to interact with the sociology students. She plans specific topics for the students and guests to discuss. Some topics are: What it is like to be age 80 and older; the civil rights movement, What do you do for fun? and more... Will you help us expand the Gerontology Practical Experience to all schools throughout Erie County, when school resumes in August 2025? To express your interest or ask for more information call Nancy Dellisanti at 419-624-1856. Bringing the Study the Gerontology to Erie County High Schools Back L-R: Chris Walton, Sociology Teacher, PHS. Guests – Pastor Tom Hayes; Jim Jackson; Chris Rankin, Herm Robinson. Front: Carrie King. L-R: Chris Walton, Sociology Teacher; Guests – Carol Deitenbeck, Debbie Ray, Joe Anne Bonner, Patti Krewson, Anne Hinton. Joe Ann Bonner discussing what its like to be her age with sociology students. PHS student playing Charades with guest. L-R: Ron Krock, Dan McLaughlin, Chris McLaughlin, Diane Bradley, Joe Hayberger and Dustin Nejedly, Sociology Teacher. L-R: Anne Hinton, Joe Ann Bonner, Dustin Nejedly SHS Sociology Teacher, Mark Pifer, Glenn Tetzloff and Joe Tetzloff. 18