The Privilege of Aging

Book excerpt: In The Privilege of Aging author Patricia Shapiro (M.S.W.) opens a window for us into the lives of women from 75 to 102 years old and explores their successes and challenges, longevity and vitality. Each woman has lived a different path of life, and their examples show us that the resources for successful aging are within us. Anthropologist Doris Francis says that we need "to seize the challenges and honors of growing old." "Patricia Gottlieb Shapiro introduces us to ordinary women who model growth, resiliency, creativity and vibrancy in later life. These women are our guides; they beckon all of us to age fearlessly." Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, M.A., M.S.W., B.C.C. Author of Jewish Visions for Aging Director, Growing Older: Wisdom + Spirit Beyond Midlife "The Privilege of Aging presents the empowering life stories of twelve Jewish women, who courageously assess their advanced years not as a barrier but rather as a unique possibility for continued growth...a valuable guide how Jewish values, resilience and creativity offer immeasurable resources to forge new late-life paths and to redefine the meaning and dignity of the aged self." Doris Francis, Ph.D. Anthropologist Author of Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me, When I'm 84?