What’s it like to grow older? More than eighty American women from across the nation, aged middle 50s through late 90s, offer thoughtful insights on many aspects of advancing in years–the ups as well as some downs, joys along with sorrows, happy memories from the past plus contentment with much of the present. Life is worth living, they agree, even as relationships, health, and responsibilities may change. Lessons learned through a lifetime can enrich one’s later years; talents and wisdom gained from experience can be blessings to others as well. Attitude is the key, they say, and at every age one may choose how to live during the time ahead.

PEARLS addresses practical everyday realities as well as major issues, such as: How can you stay mentally alive as your situation changes? How do you make new friends, especially if you relocate? How important is your appearance to you as time goes by? How do you feel about silence and solitude? What do you do with the stuff in your life? What did you once worry about that didn’t happen? Did you have mentors when you were younger, and can you now be one to others? Readers are encouraged to note their own responses to the questions raised–and to discuss them with friends or family when possible.

When women talk with one another, they often share their inner selves. It is no surprise, then, to see that some of PEARLS’ 800-plus quotations and comments are serious, some amusing, some heartbreaking, and some just plain sensible. These women are neither afraid nor ashamed of the later stages of life, despite whatever troubles they may have encountered. This book shows, from the point of view of women who have been there, faced that how to put everything into perspective and make a worthwhile life. They are different from one another, as well as from those who will read their words. They express what they have discovered, how they’ve adapted to physical challenges and dealt with losses, what brings them joy, and how they create and sustain family relationships and friendships. There is no doubt that nearly any adult American female will find something here to bring at least a nod of recognition.