Growing Older, Growing Wiser

Barely a generation ago, it was not uncommon for a grandparent to pass away in her 60s, but now life expectancy puts that age in the mid-80s. It is perhaps a mixed blessing, for though medical science and diet and technology can provide the resources for a longer life, not all aspects of being older are pleasant. In contrast is the idea that only through living and the experiences that come with it can we become wise. Wisdom borne of age and experience is a resource for our society in general and personal terms. This theme, Growing Older, Growing Wiser, addresses these issues. On the one hand is the fear and the inconvenience of growing older; on the other is the revealed wisdom and confidence of age. Each novel in this series speaks to us as individuals who are part of the growing number of aging and elderly in this country, whether we ourselves are elderly or whether we have parents, grandparents or other relatives who are aging. Reading, reflection and discussion will help address issues such as how we might proceed into this new social structure, where and how we live, and how we relate to the rest of our family and society.

“Growing Older, Growing Wiser” was developed in June, 2000, by Dr. Jeff Fox, assistant professor of English and Japanese and currently (2008) Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer of College of Southern Idaho. Book selections were made by the 1998 Idaho Let’s Talk About It theme development committee.

Books is this series include:

Balsamroot: A Memoir by Mary Clearman Blew
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Having Our Say by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany with AMy Hill Hearth
The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom