BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension and South Dakota Humanities Scholar Molly Barari will host a series of wisdom writing workshops across the state to promote a positive attitude toward aging.

Barari and Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension gerontology field specialist, developed the workshops, which use writing to explore positive mental and emotional development in aging.

The "Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop Roadshow" will travel to Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown, Lemmon and Pierre from June 3-8. They are free to attend. Prior registration is preferred, but participants may register at the door. For a complete list of dates, locations and how to register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “heirlooms.” The page can be found here.

“I am eager to take this on the road so that more folks across the state can experience this unique and thought-provoking workshop,” Barari said. “This is more than a writing workshop; it’s a profound learning experience and a chance to deeply reflect on one’s life experiences.”

Each workshop lasts 2½ hours and will encourage participants to explore the wisdom and knowledge they have learned throughout their lives. They will also learn how writing can help them cope with hard situations, and about the theory of gerotranscendence.

Gerotranscendence was developed by a Swedish social gerontologist named Lars Tornstam, who posited that normal aging brings about positive mindset shifts. As adults age, they often feel more connected to others and less concerned with self or material possessions. Those who embrace aging and reconcile with their life express feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives.

On the other hand, Brown said adults with a negative view of aging may experience worse overall health and quality of life. By improving their attitudes and beliefs toward aging, she said adults can improve their overall health.

“Older adults with a more positive outlook on getting older are less likely to blame their age for their health and take proactive measures to improve their physical health and well-being,” Brown said. “Older adults with a better outlook on getting older also experience enhancements in mental and spiritual health.”

Brown said 61 people have participated in the workshop since its 2022 debut. Participants described their feelings about aging after the workshop with words like “hope,” “optimistic,” “positive” and “peace.”

Barari and Brown also host a virtual series of Heirlooms writing workshops throughout the year. The third and final workshop in the series, Genealogy Writing, is at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 via Zoom and lasts for two hours. It is free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit the SDSU Extension events page.

For more information, visit www.mollybarari.com or contact Brown at 605-394-1722 or leacey.brown@sdstate.edu.