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Media Release

February 26 2008

Book cover of See it as it is. The Reflections of Quiet AchieversPerceptions challenged through collection of memories

A new book being launched this evening at the University of South Australia pays homage to our older citizens, celebrating their achievements and talents.

Win Haseloff, Adjunct Research Fellow in Education at UniSA has had a long term interest in society’s perception of the aged. Her book See it as it is. The Reflections of Quiet Achievers is the final in a trilogy, representing a culmination of 12 years research in the area.

The research for Haseloff’s latest book entailed interviews with over 200 people with an average age of 86 years. A vast collection of oral histories were captured, focussing on how people reacted to the challenges they faced in life and what they learned from their experiences, with the benefit of 60 to 80 years of hindsight.

Haseloff found that hardships encountered often had a profound impact on the way that people see themselves and their lives.

“From the difficulty of most of these experiences, there emerged one very clear constant throughout – a heightened sense of humanity,” Haseloff said.

“For many, adversity actually became the foundation for further strength of character. The starkest examples of this came from people whose lives were interrupted by war. They rarely had choices in their decision making – for them survival demanded persistence.”

The contributors also described those fundamental qualities they believe have assisted their achievements in life including effort, courage, sensitivity and teamwork.

“I came to understand the experiences, emotions and memories that shaped individual lives, the lives of other people and ultimately, the nation. There is a profound richness to our heritage that older people can offer if we allow them,” Haseloff said.

Although Haseloff has written previous books on the ageing, she continues to be curious about the societal perceptions of older people, particularly in relation to their changing roles in society.

“In recent years there has been changing roles in family structures which has seen many older grandparents become much more involved in the care of their grandchildren,” Haseloff said.

“However, society’s perceptions of older people have not necessarily also changed. One of my aims in writing this book has been to encourage a more accurate profile of older men and women.”

It is envisaged that a wide variety of readers and audiences will benefit from reading Hasseloff’s book.

“Families may discover previously unrecognised depths in their older relatives. Carers will develop new understandings beyond stereotypes to the achievements and the intellectual, social and spiritual needs of their clients. And the wider community will be encouraged to nurture the confidence and dignity of the ageing.”

See it as it is. The Reflections of Quiet Achievers was published with the support of UniSA. The book will be launched by Mr Bill Cossey, Chairman of the Board at Elderly Citizens Homes Incorporated, with several participants from the book and Professor Michael Rowan, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences of UniSA attending.

What: Launch of ‘See it as it is. The Reflections of Quiet Achievers.’
When: Tuesday February 26 at 4.00pm
Where: Marie Mune Lecture Theatre, Amy Wheaton Building , Magill Campus, St Bernards Road, Magill
Registration: (08) 8302 4062

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