Linda
Branch came to the academic world late in life and earned a B.A. degree
in Studio Art, a M.A. degree in Organizational Management, and a M.A.
degree in Human Development all after she was fifty-six years old. She
is a current Ph.D. student in the HOD program at Fielding Graduate University
and she is just beginning her dissertation process.
Linda's topic for her dissertation is the benefits women
fifty+ years old receive from their interpersonal relationships with their
dogs. The purpose of the topic is to find a gap that can be filled that
places the benefits given by dogs to older women in an over-all mental
and physical health program.
Linda is a full believer in living life to the fullest in
the aging process by getting rid of the stereotype "older" person.
As the baby boomers become sixty years old, we are living longer, stronger,
and more interesting lives than ever before.
The Creative Longevity and Wisdom Initiative Program at
Fielding Graduate University is an ideal program that encourages self-actualizing
in all areas and helps to break the stereotype that older people stop
learning.
Linda was recently awarded a fellowship in this Initiative program and
she is not only honored to be included, but she will be committed to continuing
the goals of the program.
Linda would like to start a program that will help older
adults to maintain their pets in times of financial need. She sees the
value in owning a pet that helps its owner in matters of health, social
stability, physical activities, and as a buffer to loneliness.
Linda and her husband, Marv, have lived in Santa Barbara,
CA where they have owned a real estate company for over thirty years.
She volunteered as an Ombudsman for the Elderly in Long-term care facilities
where she helped the older people maintain their rights and dignity. She
attributes her respect for the elderly because she was taken in and raised
by her 83 year old great-grandmother, grandmother and two great aunts.
Every time Linda reaches a new goal, she gives thanks to these wonderful
women who raised her.