Reconstructing one's own internal life-history -- One small second of eternity -- The work of remembering -- The phases of life -- Anxiety about death -- What lies behind the decline of very old people? -- Losing everything without losing oneself -- The resources of old age -- Strait is the gate -- Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and older people -- Psychoanalysis and elderly people -- Being a psychoanalyst and growing old -- Grandparents and the difference between generations -- The blue note and the discovery of loving
Summary
People react very differently to the process of ageing. Some people shy away from old age for as long as they can and eventually spend it reflecting on times when they were physically and mentally stronger and more independent. For others old age is embraced as a new adventure and something to look forward to. In this book psychoanalyst Danielle Quinodoz highlights the value of old age and the fact that although many elderly people have suffered losses, either of their own good health or through bereavement, most have managed to retain the most important thing--their sense of self. Quinodoz argues that growing old provides us with the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and instead of facing it with dread, it should be celebrated. --From publisher's description
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 202-207) and index
