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.

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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.”