The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully

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Overview

Not only accepting but also celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating book looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises. Central throughout is a call to cherish the blessing of aging as a natural part of life that is active, productive, and deeply rewarding. Perhaps the most important dimension revealed lies in the awareness that there is a purpose to aging and intention built into every stage of life. Chittister reflects on many key issues, including the temptation towards isolation, the need to stay involved, the importance of health and well-being, what happens when old relationships end or shift, the fear of tomorrow, and the mystery of forever. Readers are encouraged to surmount their fears of getting older and find beauty in aging well.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Well-known in Catholic circles for her willingness to take on anybody-even the pope-in defense of women's rights, Chittister, now in her 70s, examines how it feels "to be facing that time of life for which there is no career plan." Clearly, getting older has not diminished the controversial nun, activist, lecturer and author of nearly 40 books on feminism, nonviolence and Benedictine wisdom. This collection of inspirational reflections, "not meant to be read in one sitting, or even in order, but one topic at a time," abounds in gentle insights and arresting aphorisms: "'Act your age' can be useful advice when you're seventeen; it's a mistake when you're seventy-seven." Beginning each short chapter with a trenchant quotation ("'It takes a long time,' Pablo Picasso wrote, 'to become young'"), she ponders topics such as fear, mystery, forgiveness and legacy. Old age is rich for those who choose to thrive, not wither: "We can recreate ourselves in order to be creative in the world in a different way than the boundaries of our previous life allowed."
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Library Journal

Here are two more self-help books aimed at the generation that refuses to grow old. In The Gift of Years, Benedictine sister Chittister beautifully downplays regrets and accents the rewards of a mature life. While she acknowledges the pain of old age, she focuses on the new beginnings that life can offer at this stage and discusses the need to stay involved, to put one's affairs in order, and to be open to new relationships.

Psychoanalyst Schwalbe, on the other hand, dispels negative stereotypes and proposes a number of efforts men (or women) can undertake to make their senior years as rewarding and as satisfying as possible. He discusses cognitive fitness, caregiving, grief, and changes in living arrangements. Two particularly helpful chapters deal with what to do when the late-life goals of spouses differ and how to repartner after death or divorce. Both books offer excellent information and would make a positive contribution to any public library's collection.
—Deborah Bigelow

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781933346335
  • Publisher: Bluebridge
  • Publication date: 9/1/2010
  • Pages: 240
  • Sales rank: 33,382
  • Product dimensions: 8.78 (w) x 11.28 (h) x 0.72 (d)

Meet the Author

Joan Chittister is an internationally known author and lecturer, and the executive director of Benetvision: A Resource and Research Center for Contemporary Spirituality. She is past president of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Her books include The Friendship of Women, In the Heart of the Temple, and The Rule of Benedict. She lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 24 )

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 24 Customer Reviews
  • Posted February 4, 2010

    Spirituality and Food for Thought for the Baby Boomers!

    I think the Gift of Years has valuable information for anyone over the age of 60 who is comtemplating retirement and what to do with the remaining years. Joan Chittester has obviously reflected on many aspects of life after 60: mystery, joy, meaning, adjustment, relationships, learning, etc. All these topics are in the form of short 4-5 page essays which end with a summary based on the "burden" and the "blessing" of these years. It's easy to skip around and pick the topics that most interest you. I think it is a remarkable book!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 21, 2010

    For all ages

    Although the Gift of Years is directed towards "senior citizens", the reflections are appropriate for people of all ages. It will help to examine whether we are using the time now beneficially. As the saying goes "it is called the "present" because it is a gift." This is book is a gift for everyone.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 2, 2010

    to be read many times

    This is a great book to read & read again. As you travel through the many aspects of life, this book can give you many things to consider and then reconsider. I would suggest you look at it at least every few years or so.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 17, 2009

    Sr. Joan smacks the ball out of the park...again!

    I have always enjoyed Sr. Joan's writing, but never more than her work in this book. The book is organized into short chapters headed by thoughtful quotations and concluding with paragraphs to prompt additional reflection. Easy to read, but enormously provocative in its content, the book warrants accolades for its keen insights and perceptive views on aging.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 20, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Great Book for Senior Citizens. Changes our Outlook on Growing Older

    This a terrific book for anyone over 60 or anyone who has grown older prematurely because of illness or accident. It is a must for the new retiree to set one on a positive path for the later years of life. The chapters are short, and each one is packed full of inspiration. Short chapters make it good one-chapter-a-day reading. I may even read the book more than once on this one-a-day basis. I need to be reminded often of the things it says. I especially like the little capsules of burden or blessing that conclude each chapter. I think it would also be a good book for a senior discussion group or to read aloud to one another. Because of the age for which it is intended, I think it would be advisable for the publishers to produce a large-print edition.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 12, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    Recommended as a daily reading

    This is a great book to read at the beginning or end of your day. Each short chapter is about one subject and inspiration especially for those of us who are older. The author presents a different way of looking at getting older so that so that we can look forward to each day with joy rather than dread.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 6, 2009

    A wonderful, wonderful book!

    What a gift to older folks - as they review the events and decisions of their lives so far... and anticipate the ending of their lives. It will be read and re-read, as life points to certain topics. I treasure this book!

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  • Posted April 21, 2009

    A Wonderful Gift

    Sr. Joan offers so many words of encouragement and challenges to anyone over 50
    and thinks it's now a downhill slide. She points out the burdens and benefits to so many aspects of life offering the challenge to be aware and live the benefits/ blessings of our years.

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