There is a need for people of all ages to better understand the affects of aging. There is a need to increase the respect for and appreciation of older Americans, not just for the contributions made yesterday or to-date, but also for the enrichment they offer to our quality of life tomorrow and beyond. This is true culturally, socially, economically, and esoterically within demographic groups and beyond those implied boundaries. Nearly every day someone celebrates a 100th birthday (or more).

According to the 2000 U.S. Census,more than 3,500 people age 100 or older live in Florida. Compare these life spans to those of previous generations. One hundred years ago, men could expect to live only to an average of 48 years and women to 51. In 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans experienced the longest life expectancy in U.S. history ­ almost 77 years (74 years for men and 80 years for women). In spite of increased occurrence of long life, pessimistic attitudes about getting older and disdain for persons who are older refuse to go away. Contrary to some cultures, older Americans are not revered for their wisdom and experience but often ³dealt with² by displacement from family. People dread getting older and incorrectly assume that illness, incapacity and isolation are natural consequences of aging. Similarly, older persons are often viewed as a burden, with a perceived negative impact on leisure time, finances, and the desired lifestyle of younger family members. Over and over again, mature adults prove that getting older actually means continued health and wellness, new opportunities for contributions to their communities through employment and volunteerism. Perhaps most importantly, the potential contributions they could make to our quality of life can be significantly increased, if only we change perception. The Brogan Museum in partnership with MetLife, The State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and the Claude Pepper Foundation will create an exhibition and related programs to change the perception of elders.

The Brogan is an Affiliate of The Smithsonian Institution. It serves as one of the lead organizations to promote a national dissemination of the program concept. This is the third year that Affiliates will meet in Washington, D.C. to discuss ways to tie some of the nation¹s most prestigious institutions to this common effort.

In discussions to-date, it has been agreed that interested Affiliates will create an exhibit or program on the topic and when funds become available, travel or otherwise share those project programs with other, interested museums.

It has been agreed that music will be a great equalizer among generations and both The Harlem Jazz Museum and the Smithsonian¹s Curator of Jazz archives are enthusiastic about collaboration. In addition to the considerable resources the Smithsonian Institution will offer, Affiliate partners that are currently collaborating on the project include: Union Station¹s Science Center, Kansas City, Missouri; The Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, California; African American Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lowell National Historical Park - Mogan Cultural Center, Lowell, Massachusetts; The Women¹s Museum, Dallas, Texas; Florida International Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida; The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane, Washington; The National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and The Mexican Heritage Plaza, San Jose, California.

This blend of disciplines and diverse institutions will well represent the interests and vantage points of African Americans, Native Americans, Japanese Americans, Hispanic Americans, Jewish Americans and Anglo Americans.

Collaborative partners will be aligned with the two related but separate initiatives. The Florida effort begins with the collaboration of The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, MetLife, The Claude Pepper Foundation, The State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida State University¹s College of Medicine, The Tallahassee Senior Center, Tallahassee Community College and other partners.