ABSTRACT
The paradox of old age is that our bodies are not ourselves and yet they are ourselves—we have nothing else; we are embodied. Facing decline, disability, illness and death, our aging bodies come less and less to resemble the selves we luxuriated in our youth. Many of the old women have been resilient throughout their lifetimes, overcoming the death of children or grandchildren, breast cancer, heart attacks and the loss of a spouse. This resilience continues into old age, in the context of circumstances and social circles. In the present, the authors engage with family and friends and with a world of strangers; in that way, they reclaim their bodies within the social network. Families and social networks protect against the loneliness of old age. Their social circles also promote pleasurable bodily activities.
