The Quaker Approach to Aging: Care, Support, and Meaning

Update: 2025-10-08

Description

Aging is more than growing older – it’s an opportunity for wisdom, connection, and meaning. In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we welcome Sheila Smolens Sorkin, Aging Support Coordinator at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM), to explore the Quaker approach to aging, care, and support.

Together, we discuss:

The Quaker values that shape aging services

10 key areas of aging — from emotional care to financial security

How to age in place successfully and plan ahead with intention

Compassionate conversations around death and dying

Finding purpose in retirement and nurturing spiritual gifts

Sheila draws on decades of experience in social work, long-term care, and nonprofit leadership, sharing resources like Quaker Aging Resources, grants available through PYM, and practical tools for individuals, families, and communities.

Whether you're aging yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply Quaker-curious, this episode offers insights and inspiration for living with vitality, independence, growth, and resilience.

Subscribe to Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® for more conversations on vibrant aging:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Leave us a comment with your reflections – how do you define meaningful aging?

#Aging #QuakerValues #VibrantAging #FriendsLifeCare #HonestlyAging #PhiladephiaYearlyMeeting #PYM #Quakerism #QuakerAging #Podcast #AgingWithPurpose

Resources:

https://www.pym.org/

https://www.quakeragingresources.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-sorkin-8946a17/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-yearly-meeting/

https://www.facebook.com/QuakersPYM/

https://www.instagram.com/quakerspym/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw5GG0hfRjRSb-40lhbVE6Q

https://twitter.com/QuakersPYM/

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/   