People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elizabeth Kubler Ross

 

Experts in the aging field use the term productive aging to celebrate the capabilities of older adults to continue to live creative full lives.  Researchers have documented this vitality in studies about the social and economic contributions possible with a positive attitude, creative expression and a zest for life regardless of ethnicity, level of education, marital status or income.

Recent studies highlight the importance of regular participation in social activities, close friendships, visits with family, and lifelong learning experiences to reinforce or develop new knowledge and skills, in engaging people to improve their own lives and the lives of others as they age.

Muriel Lloyd lived such a life.  Even though she suffered and eventually died from lymphoma, her kind spirit and sage wisdom continued to inspire and sustain countless people until her death on June 30, 2010.  During the last years of her life, Muriel participated in a study on the qualities of productive aging at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.  Under principal investigator and renowned geriatric researcher, Dr. Jimmie Holland, Muriel dazzled the doctors with her unyielding love of living and belief that cancer cannot kill creativity even as it breaks down the body.

The Muriel Lloyd Inpiration Fund is designed to honor Muriel and to support ongoing research on productive aging.  This fund will continue to investigate research-based methods of counseling, new ways of learning, communication and support for geriatric cancer patients.  Muriel showed that  a life of creativity need not be constrained by the borders of cancer and aging.

If you would like to support this cause, please email the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Development Office: development@mskcc.org and request that your contribution go to the “Muriel Lloyd Inspiration Fund.”  Or you can navigate directly to Muriel’s Giving Page at mskcc.convio.net.  Thank you for your support.

Muriel’s dear friend, prolific writer and Guggenheim Fellowship recepient Susan Cheever, has written an inspirational essay about the adventure of life.  Read Susan’s reflections on Muriel’s inspirational life.