ABSTRACT

In our youth-oriented, patriarchal society, aging and older women often find themselves either ignored, pitied, or feared. Women and Aging is a valuable guide to help women break through the negative stereotypes of old age and find personal fulfillment through the stages of maturity. Full of warmth and support, Women and Aging strongly enables women to take and remain in control of their lives instead of passively letting others make life-changing--and possibly harmful--decisions for them. This essential guide for aging will help women increase the vitality of their old age, as it urges them to continue to plan for the future, keep and develop strong relationships, increase their overall wellness, and not be afraid to take risks. Truly a celebration of aging, the author’s illuminating descriptions of her own aging and how she has overcome society’s restrictions are sure to be a source of inspiration for all women--no matter what their ages.Women and Aging begins by addressing cultural attitudes toward women, including appearance, language, behavior, and “women’s work.” The middle section encourages women to face their fears and limitations and express their emotions, while the concluding chapters are a virtual “guide to life,” showing how to live life to the fullest and find inner fulfillment while aging. Along with her own continuing narrative, the author includes a multitude of personal glimpses into the aging processes of other women. This uplifting, helpful book will be of great value not only for aging women, but for women of all ages who are interested in taking active control of their own lives.

part I|37 pages

Unmasking Our Own Truth As Aging Women

chapter Chapter 1|3 pages

“Just Fine, Thank You.”

chapter Chapter 2|5 pages

Beware the Positivists!

chapter Chapter 3|5 pages

Aging Gracefully

chapter Chapter 4|6 pages

Looks

chapter Chapter 5|4 pages

Call It by Its Name

chapter Chapter 6|3 pages

Just Try Harder

chapter Chapter 7|5 pages

Women’s Work

part II|54 pages

Anger, Hurt, Grief, and Change: Facing Ourselves

chapter Chapter 8|5 pages

Who Am I Going To Be When I Grow Up?

chapter Chapter 9|6 pages

Who Am I?

chapter Chapter 10|3 pages

Internalized Ageism

chapter Chapter 11|3 pages

The Grief of Aging

chapter Chapter 12|3 pages

Becoming Old

chapter Chapter 13|3 pages

Reflections on a Funeral

chapter Chapter 14|11 pages

Litany of a Death

chapter Chapter 15|3 pages

Where Does the Time Go?

chapter Chapter 16|3 pages

A January Tale

chapter Chapter 17|4 pages

Regret, Oh Damned Regret

part III|43 pages

Honoring and Gathering Our Strength

chapter Chapter 18|4 pages

Interdependence: Support Groups

chapter Chapter 19|3 pages

Heroines: Role Models

chapter Chapter 20|4 pages

Being Response/able

chapter Chapter 21|4 pages

Overall Wellness

chapter Chapter 22|5 pages

To Risk or Not To Risk

chapter Chapter 23|4 pages

Tools

chapter Chapter 24|4 pages

Our Forgiveness Journey

chapter Chapter 25|5 pages

Before the Casket Closes

chapter Chapter 26|5 pages

Celebration

chapter |1 pages

Epilogue