Book Review: The Gift of Years

Joan Chittister packs a lot of wisdom about growing old gracefully into the pages of The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully. Short chapters cover topics such as: Regret, Fear, Newness, Possibility, Relationships and much more. In fact, forty chapters are sandwiched between an Introduction and an Afterword on The Twilight Time, the time we may become dependent upon others. Even during those years, Chittister helps you see the wonder of a new beginning on the horizon.

I liked the book’s structure. Chapters open with quotes related to the topic and end with paragraphs addressing “A burden of these years . . . “ and “A blessing of these years . . . “ This technique draws you away from the negatives of aging to appreciate the positives.

She concludes a chapter on Limitations suggesting we see limitations as boundaries rather than barriers. By the time you finish the book, you realize there is much to enjoy and appreciate about growing older.

I recommend this book for anyone approaching the mature years. Her observations will inform you of the process and inspire you to embrace the journey of life with renewed enthusiasm. This would make a good gift for both men and women moving toward or living in the final years of life.