Women and Aging

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.

Ruth Raymond Thone is a writer, teacher, community activist, and speaker. She has been active in progressive politics for many years. Currently, she studies Spanish, records her drcams, travels to see her three grown daughters, and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband Charles. She works at a House of Hospitality and a Soup Kitchen, is active in Common Cause, drug and alcohol abuse recovery, anti-war and peace groups, feminist causes, and leads groups in Values Clarification and Realization, Appearance and Aging Issues for Women, and Writing. She is a member of and active in several social justice organizations.

Contents I. Unmasking Our Own Truth as Aging Women - "Just Fine, Thank You" - Beware the Positivists! - Aging Gracefully - LOOKS - Call It by Its Name - Just Try Harder - Women's Work - II. Anger, Hurt, Grief, and Change: Facing Ourselves - Who Am I Going To Be When I Grow Up? - Who Am I? - Internalized Ageism - The Grief of Aging - Becoming Old - Reflections on a Funeral - Litany of a Death - Where Does the Time Go? - A January Tale - Regret, Oh Damned Regret - III. Honoring and Gathering Our Strength - Interdependence: Support Groups - Heroines: Role Models - Being Response/able - Overall Wellness - To Risk or Not To Risk - Tools - Our Forgiveness Journey - Before the Casket Closes - Celebration - Bibliography - Reading List - Index