Title: Greying of America inspires new course at Phillips Theological Seminary
Date: April 8, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
99b-22
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The special needs and opportunities of aging are the focus of a new course offered by Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa this summer. The class is made possible by a gift from Dr. Harley Galusha of Tulsa, joined by family and friends, in memory of his wife, Marlene.
"The Marlene F. Galusha Memorial Course in Pastoral Care and Aging" will equip PTS students and others with skills to minister effectively to the increasing numbers of senior citizens. The class is open to master of divinity students at PTS, and others who qualify.
Gladeen Burris Allred, a specialist in senior adult care, will teach the three-credit hour course at Phillips Seminary, beginning May 21. She says elder care is becoming increasingly important because the fastest growing segment of Americans is people 85 and older. In addition, the wave of retiring baby boomers in the next few years will offer churches and other community groups new challenges.
Attitudes about aging also are changing, according to Allred. "You see it in the way old age is portrayed in television commercials and in the news media," she said. "You don't see senior adults sitting around in rocking chairs. You see them out enjoying life, hiking, and being a part of the community."
Allred studied aging for 15 years, writing widely on improving the mental and physical health of senior citizens. Besides teaching at Oklahoma State University, she is also program director for Reflections Senior Day Treatment in Stillwater.
Marlene F. Galusha, who died June 30, 1998 -- and for whom the course is named -- was a member of First Christian Church, Tulsa, where she was director of older adult services. She and her husband, Dr. Harley Galusha, developed and hosted the Senior Holiday Ball each Christmas for 13 years until her death.
She also was a founder of Oasis Adult Day Care Center in Tulsa, which provides programs and services for senior adults with special needs.
A graduate of The University of Tulsa in gerontology, Marlene Galusha also studied at Hillcrest Medical Center's Clinical Pastoral Care Institute and the Luther Seminary Graduate Geriatric Pastoral Care Institute. She was an active volunteer with many community endeavors including Meals on Wheels, St. Dunstan's Adult Day Care Center, Tulsa Senior Services, and the Mayor's Human Rights Commission.
The PTS course will be taught May 21-22, June 5, 18-19 and 25, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Topics to be covered include: Aging: A Spiritual Journey; Myths and Realities of Aging, Easing Late-Life Transitions, Pastoral Care with Depressed Elderly, and Formation of Special Ministries (such as, Stephen ministries, friendly visitors, support groups, and adult day care centers).
Those interested in enrolling or learning more about the course should write to Phillips Theological Seminary, 4242 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74145, or phone 918-610-8303.
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