Letter of the Day: Age and wisdom

Age and wisdom

EDITOR: As a registered nurse receiving advanced practice training as a nurse practitioner at UC San Francisco, I was disheartened by the ageist tone of Monday's article on top Californian politicians ("Politicians golden years"). In my residency at the San Francisco VA, I see many older patients who feel devalued by an increasingly ageist society. As a provider serving adults throughout the life span, I assure you that every life stage has great value.

The article insinuates that older leaders are out of step with younger Democrats' progressive ideals. Top legislators such as Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi continually stand up for our state's progressive values. Our leaders have shown themselves to be fierce advocates for the right to health care and equality for all. As a provider also working in HIV, I am heartened that my elected representatives continue to be at the forefront of HIV advocacy.

Our California leaders have repeatedly been re-elected because voters value their experience and wisdom, traits that can deepen with age. In nursing, we often cite Erikson's theory of life stages. Erikson classifies a successful late adulthood (over 55) as a time of wisdom and integrity — leadership qualities that we should value at any age.

JONATHAN VAN NUYS

Rohnert Park