Longevity

With great insightful sensitivity and pragmatic awareness of the hurdles experienced by those ascending the hill of years, octogenarian and former chemistry professor John Chrysochoos recounts the challenges faced by those many of us ascending into their 90’s and even 100’s.

While much of the content may be familiar to the older reader, the intent is to acquaint the younger audience with the realities of older age. Describing the social fabric of life on his birth island of Ikaria, Greece where the older generations were seamed together with the general population and formed adhesive bonds with the children, oldsters were not regarded as different. Here in the United States, strong family bonds continue to include grand and great-grand parents as revered and valued kindred. We are reminded that the saddest insult for the elderly is the pain of loneliness. In the several chapters, health issues arising with age are examined such as heart defects, vision issues, hearing loss, mental problems, motility limitations and other chronic senior conditions. Straight forward advice is offered regarding retirement living conditions, long-term care insurance, and financial difficulties.

The author kindly engages the reader with his family as they confront the dilemmas that challenge both the ageing subject and the concerned caregiver.

BOOK QUOTE

As the technology advanced by leaps and bounds, leading to smaller and smaller appliances equipped with more and more functions, some of which are really seldom being used, it gets more and more difficult for the elderly to use them. One may wonder why technology is so senior-unfriendly. It may be possible that manufacturers do not appreciate the buying power of the elderly. If this is the case, they may be setting themselves up for a rude awakening.