The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
- ISBN13: 9781933346106
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating work 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.
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
Chittister is more interested in her liberal politics and her renunciations of Catholicism than anything of Christianity. She disguises herself as a valid voice when she is not.
Rating: 1 / 5
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
I have read many of Joan Chittister’s writings and found them both interesting and inspiring.
This book is formulaic and not either interesting or inspiring. And it is a subject worthy of attention. It seems as though she churned it out to keep the community alive.
I am a geriatric nurse who prays so the subject is one I know about, in addition, I am 72, so it is a subject close to my heart.
Sorry, Joan.
Rating: 1 / 5
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
A wonderful and engaging book that is full of wisdom and reflection on the “art of aging” well. It is a must read for those headed into that time of life as well as those who are there already. One of my favorite reflections dealt with the exegis of “emotionally neutral” thoughts and memories! Great stuff! This is one of the best books I have read this year.
Jay
Rating: 5 / 5
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
Joan Chittister has done all of us a wonderful service in writing this book. Since the population has grayed in the last few years, her suggestions about how to bridge the gap in our lives is extraordinary. Thank you Joan for a wonderful work.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
Joan Chittister’s: “The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully” is full of wisdom about aging, which all of us are doing right now, no matter the age. Her book deals with many of the topics elders and boomers are discussing with each other and discovering for themselves.
Much of her information seems to come from her years of living within a Benedictine women’s community and observing the aging process intimately with friends and other sisters. The intentionally brief chapters invite thoughtful consideration of such topics as Possibility, Fulfillment, Relationships, and Tale-Telling.
Sister Chittister uses quotes about the aging human experience we share from many sources to spur her reflections. I find the way she has organized and presented these reflections both inspiring and refreshing. She draws from a wide range of people to begin her chapters. For instance, this one by Carl Jung begins her chapter on Solitude.
“For a younger person it is almost a sin–and certainly a danger–to be too much occupied with himself. But for the aging person it is a duty and a necessity to give serious attention to himself (sic). After having lavished its light upon the world, the sun withdraws its rays in order to illumine itself.”
There is so much simplicity and depth of thought available in The Gift of Years that I recommend The Gift of Years to discussion groups, especially those who might be discussing spirituality of aging topics.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully