The Joy of Aging and the Generation Gap
Through the Lens of Someone 85
by
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The aging process begins at birth. So when do we start paying close attention to the fact that we are getting older? Is it when we begin seeing wrinkles forming on our faces and necks? Perhaps it is when muscles start sagging or when we start aching when we get out of bed. What are our reactions to these changes? Are we horrified by them; do we begin moaning about them; do we take them in stride? How does our culture, our society, react to people showing signs of aging? Do our views on aging in this country differ from those of other cultures? These are the questions addressed in this book. Many of the answers are not pretty. How do we change the paradigm? Is it even worth trying to change it? Instead of the dread of aging, how do we get to the joy of aging? The good, the bad and the ugly are discussed. How does our culture deal with the aging process, and what impact does it have on each of us at a personal level? How do those of us who have gotten to the “mature” stage of our lives deal with the rapid technological changes which bombard us? How do we cope? How does youth view us and how do we interact with the youngsters among us? How do we bridge the age gap as more of us are living longer lives than our ancestors, and youth seems to be speaking a different language than that of their elders? What is the root of the problem? Can it be identified and fixed? The good news is that there are ways to navigate this issue, and they are discussed in depth. Morality and moral issues play a central part in finding solutions. The complexities and vagueness of these concepts are stripped away in the process of handling this dilemma. This book is intended to be inspirational in nature. Vignettes and true stories are used to illustrate and illuminate the highlighted points. Practical suggestions are made to change the aging narrative and to bridge the gap between the young people in our culture and the elders. Some of the solutions are amazingly simple. It is a relatively a quick read, but one you don’t want to miss.
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About the Book
We begin aging the moment we're born, but when do we start thinking about aging? Is it when we spot our first wrinkle, feel our bodies slowing down, or realize society starts looking right past us?
In The Joy of Aging and the Generation Gap Through the Lens of Someone 85, Joyce H. Weiblen invites readers on an eye-opening, deeply personal journey into the reality of growing older in a youth-centric world. With sharp wit, warm wisdom, and bold honesty, she unpacks how ageism, societal expectations, and rapid technological change affect how we see ourselves and how others see us as we age.
More than a memoir, this book is a compassionate and insightful reflection on identity, visibility, and empowerment in the later stages of life. Through heartfelt stories and candid moments, Joyce offers practical ideas for aging with grace, bridging the generational divide, and transforming how we talk about growing older. Her reflections are both humorous and poignant, drawing attention to the emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of aging.
Whether you are navigating your own later years or seeking to better understand the aging experience of a loved one, this book will challenge assumptions and inspire meaningful connection across generations.
Discover the joy of aging, redefine what it means to grow older, and help change the conversation, one story at a time.
About the Author
Joyce H. Weiblen is retired. She worked full time until age 80. In her first career, she was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and an administrator. She ended that career as a Full Professor at Mercer University in Atlanta. In her second career, she was an investment advisor. She retired as a VP for Investment at Wells Fargo Advisors. She holds a doctorate from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. This book is her first publication.