OLDERS’ VOICES

Benner presents a compilation of essays, written in response to queries sent to neighbors and friends, about the experience of aging.

The compiler of these pieces, then an 86-year-old “Older,” had been networking with a group of elderly members of her community. Their interactions became a source of support where those who were taking care of ailing loved ones or experiencing difficulties with their own infirmities could exchange thoughts, emotions, and ideas for problem-solving. As Benner listened to and shared with her contemporaries, she was inspired to create a book that would convey what it’s like to move into the Older years. The project is intended to offer empathetic encouragement to Olders and to educate the younger set about what lies ahead, offering tips on how they can provide support for their aging parents (hint: Call Mom and Dad frequently, just to chat). With the exception of Benner herself, the contributors are anonymous, identified only by their birth dates, which, the author acerbically observes, is the way they’re identified every time they enter a doctor’s office. Each of the 29 essays is written in the respondent’s own voice; their ages range from 68 to 99. They are a diverse lot, from a variety of professional backgrounds. From their replies, the majority appear to be financially stable, and only one respondent is in assisted living. Freedom from financial stress doubtlessly contributes to the general tone of optimism, although these essays do reveal certain melancholy commonalities, the most prevalent being loneliness and feelings of isolation. For the most part, however, the writings reflect a group of happy people who are grateful to be alive, active, and in reasonably good health, despite the increasing aches, pains, and occasional bouts with serious illnesses. The key piece of advice to be derived from these pages is to maintain flexibility; as one 76-year-old woman writes, “Never Expect Life to be a Plan A, Prepare for Plan B or C.”

Thought-provoking essays on aging with a bracing “keep kicking” attitude.