We live in a society where youthfulness is praised, wrinkles are to be fought, and staying young has almost become an ideal.
Growing older is a natural part of life. It can give experience, insight and wisdom, but also present challenges. Nevertheless, society's view of ageing is often marked by negative stereotypes and prejudices. This is called ageism.
But what do our different faith and belief traditions say about growing old? What place do older people have in our communities? And can faith and belief communities together be a countervoice to a society that continually worships the young and wrinkle-free?
On Thursday, 12 November, STL Stavanger and Kirkelig Dialogsenter invite you to a dialogue evening where we explore precisely these questions.
The evening begins with a conversation between Anna Dalaker, nursing home chaplain at Tasta Nursing Home, and Tone Anita Østrådt, who is the leader of Drøsen Café, Culture and Activity. Tone Anita is a social scientist and Anna is a theologian. Through her work, Anna has immersed herself in ageing, dementia, spiritual care, and older people's opportunity to practice their faith. Tone Anita works with people living at home, and Anna with those who live in nursing homes. Anna is also a recipient of the Olav Scholarship 2025.
Afterwards, we meet representatives from different faith and belief communities who share their perspectives on old age, dignity, respect, and the place of older people in the community. From the Church of Norway comes Tor Magne Nesvik, acting bishop of the Diocese of Stavanger, in addition to representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Rogaland Muslim Council, and the Catholic Church.
We wish to highlight both similarities and differences, challenge established notions, and perhaps discover that our different traditions have something important to contribute to the conversation about how we view and meet older people.
Organisers are STL Stavanger and Kirkelig Dialogsenter.
Open to everyone.
Welcome!
