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CHAPTER 14

Late Adulthood

Body and Mind

I have attended too many dinners sponsored by large groups. No longer do I enjoy church suppers with lasagna and Jell-O/marshmallow salad; no longer do I appreciate chicken and chocolates at nonprofit fund raisers; I am no longer impressed at corporate events when a well-dressed waiter offers everyone at my table choices—red or white wine, rare or well-done roast beef.

But recently I attended an organization’s dinner that surprised me. The appetizer was a kale and nut salad; a fish entrée and a bowl of Brussels sprouts were passed around family-style. The event celebrated 40 years of a group that works for pedestrian safety, protected bicycle lanes, and metered parking. Most of the hundreds of patrons arrived by foot, subway, or bike. They were mostly young, lean, and earnest. At least, the attendees seemed young.

As I think about it, some of them had silver hair: They looked young because of their attitude and fitness. Their passion for exercise and their commitment to this group may have slowed down their aging. My preconceptions were also challenged by the menu, the honorees, and the laughter, all contrary to the idea that adults settle quietly into habits set decades earlier.

This chapter describes the many physical and intellectual losses of late adulthood—in body health, in the senses, in memory. Some losses are devastating: deafness, blindness, heart disease, significant cognitive decline.

But there are gains as well, primarily in thinking and attitude. My assumptions were challenged, especially when I realized that older people can be active in new causes and innovative organizations. People of every age hold mistaken beliefs that undermine potential. As you will see, older adults can be strong, happy, and wise.