Mark Elliott Miller, MPH

There is great wisdom in the hearts and minds of our elders. Too often, this wisdom is lost as time passes. What a tragedy! In writing this book, elder rights advocate and author Mark Elliott Miller emailed, mailed, and hand-delivered surveys to over 100 independent and assisted living eldercare communities in all 50 states. He asked activity directors, administrators, and other staff at these facilities to identify one or two residents “who have healthy attitudes towards life.” Once identified, these elders answered questionnaires in their own words. Elders in 18 states participated by sharing timeless pearls of wisdom for all to enjoy!

In Extraordinary Encounters in an Ordinary Life, Mark Miller writes of everyday experiences (growing up in a Jewish household, raising children) and unique experiences (interviewing the Dalai Lama, running for public office). Miller tells of colorful characters he has met as newspaper reporter, copywriter, and marketing manager, and describes the difficulty of raising children after divorce.

Reflecting on a career in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices, he recounts personal experiences with the dying, including members of his own family, providing insight into how health care systems often fail the poor and elderly. He asks questions about health care issues that become increasingly critical as Baby Boomers head into their final years. Finally, he gives personal accounts of celebrities he has met and interviewed, including Jimmy Carter and George Bush, which paint fresh portraits of the people behind the photos.

Mark Miller’s experiences and life lessons can serve as reminders for us to pay closer attention to the people and the blessings in our lives and to live every day with open minds and open hearts.