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.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 33 reviews)

A guide book for the golden years by Bonnie L. Allen (Ellensburg, WA USA)

5 Stars
November 19, 2009
This book was a wonderful discovery for me. Joan Chittister has just the right words to make aging, not a grey time to dread, but a very alive time with new challenges, new discoveries. Every chapter addresses a topic of concern with wonderful ideas and advice. Her book is not filled with the old cliches about growing old. Her words are fresh and new and extremely inspiring. It's a book that belongs on your night stand because reading a chapter or two will put you to sleep with more peace in your heart.

Women in Theaology Choice by Frances B. Hill (Clinton, IA)

5 Stars
November 17, 2009
When my Women in Theaology group began reading this book (and yes, we spell Theology in the feminine) I saw delight and happiness in the members as we came to the table bi weekly to discuss Sr. Joan's book. Our back ground is ecumenical, eclectic and when discussing Gift of Years became electric as the enthusiasm and self realization passed from one to another. Would that others in our small MidWstern town be led to the self wonder and wisdom this book imparts! Sometimes I think that if I had to spend the rest of my life with but one group, it would be Women in Theaology -- Reading this book together confirms this!

The Gift of Years continues to inspire all ages by Claudia J. Hojnacki (Bennington NY)

5 Stars
September 14, 2009
A friend gave me this book. I'm 56 and entering the "golden years". I just gave away another copy of this book to my Mom, 84, who has now realized not to have fear, and to live completely without regrets....this book is for anyone over 50 who is looking for "motherly advice", but doesn't want to hear it from Mom ....

The Gift of Years by Elizabeth (Washington, DC)

5 Stars
September 12, 2009
One of the best books I've read in years. Joan Chittester, OSB, continues to use her talents and ability to reach people. As a senior citizen and a religious woman, I was pleased to read this wonderful book, filled with insights on aging. However, it is not limited to the elderly. I would highly recommend this to caretakers of the 'mature' population. I rate this as a five star item!

A gift of wisdom gleaned through the years by Faithful Reader, USA (Central NY)

5 Stars
August 07, 2009
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.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	Welcome to the Wisdom of the World And Its Meaning for You: Universal Spiritual Insights Distilled from Five Religious Traditions by Joan Chittister (Author)
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