Balancing Act

Balancing Act: Strategies for Successful Aging is written for the old older and oldest among us as well as for the families and friends who are caring for them. To grow old is one experience and to care for an aging loved one is yet another each with its own challenges and opportunities. As an older woman and a daughter whose mother died at 99 I speak with both voices and borrow freely from the poetry and wisdom of many others who are addressing the same issues. I want to offer hope ideas and encouragement to everyone in both of those groups. Successful aging is a dynamic difficult journey but rich and rewarding when done well. The photo on the cover is my favorite painting from a 2006 series I called Windows to the Soul. I love this old woman's eyes still twinkling and alive with anticipation unfazed by her wrinkles. I love the peace she manifests in her personal balancing act. This is who I want to be as I age and also what I hope for others.