Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

Old age may make mid-life seem easy, but mourning our losses can help us grow and enjoy what is left of our lives. The losses of old age are multiple and involve not only the losses of friends, home, purpose, status, security and control, but also the loss of strength, beauty, reflexes and memory, but it is our attitude toward aging that determines its quality, according to Viorst. We can focus on every little ache and pain, or transcend the focus on our body, being realistic about our capabilities.

MFK Fisher believes one needs to use everything gained in life to transcend the physical annoyances and appreciate life. A gerontologist describes aging as if it is simply a turning down or reduction in all of our senses. Society tends to see the aged as useless and dependent, and to pity or...