Life’s a trip 

Glenn Harper

Gloria Towne | All Around Towne Photography

“It has become extremely plausible that this trip between the maternity ward and the crematorium is what there is to life. ... Man is a little germ that lives on an unimportant rock ball that revolves about an insignificant star on the outer edges of one of the smaller galaxies. But, on the other hand, if you think about that for a few minutes, I am absolutely amazed to discover myself on this rock ball rotating around a spherical fire! It's a very odd situation. And the more I look at things, I cannot get rid of the feeling that existence is quite weird!” 

Alan Watts (1915–1973) British-born philosopher, writer and speaker, who popularized traditions like Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism in the West. 

An ancient sage once said,”It is better to travel well than to arrive.” Certainly true if our destination is the crematorium! 

As we travel the road of life, we may fall into the habit of focusing on some future destination, or fixating on events in the past, while the marvel of our experience as humans in the here and now is ignored.

It’s like driving with a map to your destination unfolded on the steering wheel, or constantly looking in the rear-view mirro instead of looking at the road right in front of you. Either way, you’re liable to have a bumpy ride, crash, or miss the experience of the trip altogether. 

Jerry Garcia was only 28 when he commented, “What a long strange trip it’s been.” in the Grateful Dead’s popular song, "Truckin’", way back in 1970. Unfortunately, Jerry’s trip was cut short at the age of 53 in 1995. 

I introduce Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead here to transition to talking about a different kind of trip — psychedelics as they relate to aging and end of life.

Some of you may know that on Aug. 13, 2024, the Olympia City Council unanimously passed a resolution to functionally decriminalize plant-based hallucinogens and psychedelics, such as psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca, making their personal possession and use the lowest law enforcement priority for the city. This effectively means a person will not be arrested and charged for possession of these substances alone. Seattle, Tacoma and Port Townsend have adopted similar policies. 

This was enacted after numerous residents came forward with their stories of how these powerful natural medicines made a positive difference in their lives in dealing with issues, such as PTSD, addiction, depression and anxiety. Initially, the council was split on the decision but after a few listening sessions, the decision to favor decriminalization was unanimous.  

Psilocybin therapy is illegal under federal law, but it is legally available through state-regulated programs in Oregon and Colorado, via clinical trials nationwide, and through specific medical frameworks in countries like Australia. Washington state authorizes clinical research through the University of Washington School of Medicine, but does not offer commercial therapeutic access. 

End of Life Washington has come out in support of the right to use psilocybin to help with end of life anxiety. 

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine clinical studies show psilocybin-assisted therapy produces rapid, large, and sustained reductions in major depression. About 71 percent of participants showed a clinically significant drop in symptoms (a 50 percent or greater reduction).

A five-year follow-up study by researchers from Johns Hopkins and Ohio State University found two doses of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy produced long-lasting relief for major depression. It showed that 67 percent of participants remained in remission five years after the treatment. 

I want to say that psychedelic experiences are powerful and not to be entered into lightly. However, when you consider the clinical evidence of effectiveness, and the fact that many older Americans suffer from PTSD, addiction, depression and anxiety, it may be worth it looking into a trip guided by a professional if other treatments have provided no relief.  

If the aforementioned trips aren’t of interest to you, perhaps a more traditional trip is more to your taste. Senior Services for South Sound offers many trips and tours. Click here for more info.  

Senior Services for South Sound is also kicking off its Fall Senior Academy classes with a free event on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 4-5 p.m. at the Olympia Senior Center. Learn about the classes on offer and enjoy live music, light refreshments and a fun opportunity to connect with fellow students. Click here for more info. 

Whatever trips you choose, may you find them enjoyable, or at least educational. 

Glenn Harper provides support in aging and end of life. He is Chair of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and board member of the Senior Action Network.  He facilitates several free Death Cafe and Elderhood Roundtable gatherings in the area where Elders are invited to talk about difficult topics in a nonjudgmental space. Learn more about these events here.