At the Association of Jewish Aging Services Conference in May 2025, The Cedars proudly received the AJAS Innovation Igniter Award for its groundbreaking course, Story as Medicine: Uniting Generations through Narrative Medicine. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine Honors Program, pairs healthcare students with older adult mentors, known as “elder teachers,” to explore and share stories of health and wellness.
Robin Moore’s quote, “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller waiting to be released,” captures the essence of this transformative four-credit course. Over six years, it has enriched the lives of around 60 students and 60 residents, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing students’ narrative skills for patient-centered care.
Participants engage in dynamic workshops, crafting personal essays and illness narratives, and learning to listen actively to their elder teachers. This immersive experience cultivates compassion, empathy, and crit
The Cedars’ innovative approach not only enhances the spiritual, social, physical, and mental wellbeing of older adults but also prepares future healthcare professionals to build relationships based on trust and respect.
Angela Hunt, The Cedars Chief Innovation Officer, shared the details and success of this program with members of other AJAS member communities from across North America. Many were inspired and excited to implement this program in their own communities.