About Penny Kaela Bauer


I worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 25 years. It was my great pleasure to watch people come to understand the significant contributions they made to their families and communities.

In the past ten years, I've photographed more than 150 elders. Each one agreed to share a gift by sitting for a black and white photograph. Each photograph was taken after spending time together sharing stories about what was of value to them and what they might wish to offer the world. In silence and with focused attention, together we created these images. Their gifts now find their way to you through "Gifts" for navigating life’s journey.

Individuals can turn to these images for daily inspiration; groups can use "Gifts" to stimulate conversations about the work they do to provide an environment in which each member can thrive and fully share their own gifts.

The soothing quality of the film may also serve to revive memories of important gifts given and received.

By 2030, more than 71 million Americans will be over the age of 65 and making decisions about how they want to live out their later years. There are many challenges ahead. What stories do people tell themselves about this time in their lives? What images and words do you experience when it comes to aging?

My hope is that "Gifts" will stir its audience to explore the nature of their own true essence. By transforming our ideas and pictures about aging from negative to positive, more people will realize their true power to effect society.

I invite you to demonstrate your commitment to the future of positive stories — use "Gifts" in your life and programs to help navigate your own best journey.

Penny Kaela Bauer