"The word 'health' literally comes from the root word 'holy,' which means the same as 'whole.' There can be no health that is partial, that encompasses only our bodies or feelings, or spirit."
— Gay Gaer Luce
Think of the stereotypical ideas about elderly people: You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Old timers are too set in their ways ever to change. The elderly have no interest in sex; they're over the hill.
In 1974 a group calling themselves SAGE (Senior Actualization and Growth Explorations) formed in California "to explore the myths and realities of the aging process." Gay Gaer Luce, a co-founder of the group, has written an important book stating SAGE's philosophy and outlining in detail exercises, techniques, meditation, and educational processes for achieving in middle and later years a balance between mind, body, and spirit. Your Second Life should be a part of every community center, church, synagogue, and nursing home library!
In the opening sections, Ms. Luce explains a variety of attitudes toward age and longevity; images we have of ourselves; the place of intimacy and sexuality in the later years; the possibilities for growth within dreams, sleep, and healing; and responses to and preparations for death. The premise of SAGE fuels these chapters: "A person of sixty can grow as much as a child of six. The later years are a time for self-development, emancipation, and spiritual growth."
A major problem for many older people is lack of energy. Ms. Luce presents a batch of specific exercises to combat stress, achieve relaxation, and bring about vitality and flexibility. Also included are techniques to develop participative listening, to tap into one's artistic abilities, and to encourage a proper diet through food awareness. Your Second Life concludes with an excellent bibliography of further resources for self-generated growth.
