Creative Aging
Rethinking Retirement and Non-Retirement in a Changing World
Published on 18. March 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-59473-281-2 (ISBN)
Description
Individually and culturally, we are at a crossroads in how we view ageing and retirement. The traditional image of a quiet, laid-back retirement is shifting. Many approaching retirement age are realising they will need to work longer than they had expected. At the same time, many are looking for ways they can offer their gifts and experience in a meaningful way. Marjory Zoet Bankson proposes that, if our older years are to have meaning and purpose, we need to address two key questions: "What is my unique gift?" and "What is my legacy?" In CREATIVE AGING, Bankson explores the spiritual dimension of discovering our unique answers and offers creative ways to nourish our calling, particularly where society does not yet have the organizational structures to support these productive energies.
Illustrated by stories of people who have reinvented their lives as they age, the book is organised around Bankson's cycle of call:
Resist: Feeling lost in a new terrain
Reclaim: Discovering gifts I've put aside or neglected
Revelation: Seeing my piece of a larger picture
Cross-over: Joining inner and outer worlds
Risk: Going public with a new venture
Relate: Finding or creating structures for flexible participation
Release: Offering service for the common good
Illustrated by stories of people who have reinvented their lives as they age, the book is organised around Bankson's cycle of call:
Resist: Feeling lost in a new terrain
Reclaim: Discovering gifts I've put aside or neglected
Revelation: Seeing my piece of a larger picture
Cross-over: Joining inner and outer worlds
Risk: Going public with a new venture
Relate: Finding or creating structures for flexible participation
Release: Offering service for the common good
Reviews / Votes
Drawing on stories of real-life people, this practical, useful book develops the spiritual dimensions of aging in a way that makes what the author calls "the generative years" count. Bankson develops her book around seven themes. She begins with "Release": letting go of vocational identity; and continues with "Resistance": resisting change; "Reclaiming": drawing energy from the past; "Revelation": forming a new vision for the future; "Crossing Point": moving from stagnation to generatively; "Risk": stepping out with new hope; and "Relating": creating or finding new structures for a new kind of work. The book is a valuable tool for those beginning to think of retirement, forced into retirement by the present economy, as the situation forces the reader to look at how s(he) looks at her(himself) as a person or as a worker. Each chapter is followed by a reflection on the spiritual dimension and questions to ponder related to the topic. The epilogue, "Living Wholeheartedly," focuses on the attitude necessary to age creatively, being grateful for the gift of this extra time to receive the grace that surrounds us every day. In simple language the author presents considerations that will give the reader a choice between growing old and creative aging as s(he) reworks her/his identity associated with a career, making peace with what has or has not been accomplished to discovering who s(he) is now and enjoying the freedom. She calls readers to remember that "we are human beings not human doings." This valuable book is strongly recommended for anyone facing the reality of retirement. Ann Lynch, SSJ -- Ann Lynch * Catholic Library World *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Woodstock
United States
Publishing group
Jewish Lights Publishing
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-59473-281-2 (9781594732812)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2010
1st Edition
SkyLight Paths
€16.49
Available for download
Person
Marjory Zoet Bankson, an artist and spiritual guide, is author of The Soulwork of Clay: A Hands-On Approach to Spirituality and Creative Aging: Rethinking Retirement and Non-Retirement in a Changing World (both SkyLight Paths) and many other books. Former president of Faith At Work (now called Lumunos) and editor of Faith@Work magazine for over twenty years, she now travels nationally to offer retreats and workshops. She currently teaches on spiritual companionship at Washington National Cathedral, the Servant Leadership School, and Virginia Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Content
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction: Making the Extra Years Count 1
1.WHAT NOW?
Rethinking Aging 7
2. RELEASE
The Inner Work of Leaving 23
3. RESISTANCE
Moving Beyond Security 41
4. RECLAIMING
Riches from the Past 55
5. REVELATION
Where Does Newness Come From? 71
6. CROSSING POINT
Joining Inner and Outer Worlds 87
7. RISK
Beginning Again with More Focus 101
8. RELATING
Finding the Right Form for Now 117
Epilogue: Living Wholeheartedly 133
Suggestions for Further Reading 137
Introduction: Making the Extra Years Count 1
1.WHAT NOW?
Rethinking Aging 7
2. RELEASE
The Inner Work of Leaving 23
3. RESISTANCE
Moving Beyond Security 41
4. RECLAIMING
Riches from the Past 55
5. REVELATION
Where Does Newness Come From? 71
6. CROSSING POINT
Joining Inner and Outer Worlds 87
7. RISK
Beginning Again with More Focus 101
8. RELATING
Finding the Right Form for Now 117
Epilogue: Living Wholeheartedly 133
Suggestions for Further Reading 137