Virginia Stem Owens

The loss of independence can make aging very difficult for both the elderly and their adult children, Virginia Stem Owens claims in the following viewpoint. She asserts that independence is considered the greatest virtue among Americans; therefore, it’s difficult for the ailing elderly to accept that they can no longer care for themselves. Owens also contends that adult children often face the challenge of stepping in to care for their aging parents. She concludes that Americans must learn how to depend on others as they age. Owens is an author and a member of the editorial board of Books & Culture.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Owens, what proportion of people over the age of sixty-five live alone?
2. What makes middle-aged children skittish about caring...