“While those who become “olders” tend to contribute to the divisions in society, those who act as elders foster unity above self-interest and harmony over conflicts. Despite inevitable bodily aches and pains, genuine elders become the deepest source of life-affirming energy in a culture.“While those who become “olders” tend to contribute to the divisions in society, those who act as elders foster unity above self-interest and harmony over conflicts. Despite inevitable bodily aches and pains, genuine elders become the deepest source of life-affirming energy in a culture.

George E. Vaillant, MD. New York: Little, Brown & Co., 2002. Pp. 273. $14.99. ISBN 0-316-09007-7. Pb. Reviewed by Kathryn R. Ward and Geoffrey W. Sutton (Evangel University/Springfield, MO-REVIEW AMENDED BY RACR).

What are the key factors in successful aging? Dr. Vaillant, a noted psychiatrist, researcher, and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development provides a lucid summary of the findings from the longest longitudinal study of adult development. He offers readers a comprehensive look at a wide range of data in the context of developmental theories. He supports the quantitative findings with salient participant examples that enhance his conclusions and make the work highly readable.

Most of our aged population plans to stay at home for as long as possible, despite changes in health, mobility, or cognition. Initially, this was a challenge, but with the expansion of home care services in recent years, it’s easy to help aging loved ones live independently at home. Many home care services provide a full range of safe and affordable solutions benefiting elderly loved ones while in a familiar environment. They ensure your loved ones receive timely support and care with an extra set of hands and dedicated medical services as needed. They also make sure your loved one is as comfortable as possible and essential chores around the house are taken care of.

The moment when, after many years of hard work and a long voyage you stand in the centre of your room, house, half-acre, square mile, island, country, knowing at last how you got there, and say, I own this,

“When I'm in turmoil, when I can't think, when I'm exhausted and afraid and feeling very, very alone, I go for walks. It's just one of those things I do. I walk and I walk and sooner or later something comes to me, something to make me feel less like jumping off a building.”
― Jim Butcher, Storm Front

“Hope and the future for me are not in lawns and cultivated fields, not in towns and cities, but in the impervious wild.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walking

In the fall of 1972, I moved to a small summer cabin deep in the northern Wisconsin forest, eight miles from the nearest town. The cabin had no electricity and no running water; when winter arrived, I had to thaw the hand pump in the backyard to get water. A 50-gallon drum buried in the yard served as my refrigerator.

In old age, the hard realities of life – childhood, teen angst, parenting, work, financial challenges – can transition into something calmer and softer, but no less real and valuable, the attainment of wisdom.

Wisdom is recognized, celebrated, and revered across all cultures. For many, if there is a purpose in achieving old age, attaining a state of wisdom is it.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website!

New Website Coming Soon!

A Samurai warrior came upon an aged Zen monk and went up to him, demanding, "Teach me about heaven and hell."

That’s the title of a film about the last year of the life of beloved Rabbi Rachel Cowan. Author Sara Davidson has comments inspired by it:

“I believe old age should play a useless role in society-- the role of the fool and thus warrant a unique freedom. Therefore, any social welfare system for the old is a great blessing.

Over a period of years, I helped put together 9 national conferences on “Positive Aging.” It gives me some satisfaction that, despite our orientation toward what can illuminate later life, we also made sure that these events included attention to issues such as end-of-life care, dementia, and other elements that are, too often, seen only as part of the “Shadow of Age.

"The world, I've come to think is like the surface of a frozen lake. We walk along, we slip, we try to keep our balance and not to fall.

GENERATIVITY. “Leaving A Legacy: Values and Lessons for The Later Stages of Life” by Jed Diamond, at: https://goodmenproject.com/health/leaving-a-legacy-values-and-lessons-for-the-later-stages-of-life/ https://mailer.luxsci.com/link.php?M=20220674&N=15532&L=45546&F=H

No, you won’t get wisdom from books and not even from the “Human Values in Aging” newsletter. But here are some good sources to consult:

*CAUTION ON EVENTS: *In this time of pandemic, many previously scheduled events have been cancelled or postponed, so it is important to check in advance. Events in digital format may be held as scheduled, but checking is advisable.

“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.”