Aging/Spirituality Annotated Reading List

Bianchi, Eugene, Aging As A Spiritual Journey, New York: Crossroads, 1986 — a stimulating discussion of ways in which contemplation and active involvement in the world can be combined, starting in middle age.

Blythe, Ronald, The View in Winter : Reflections on Old Age, New York: Penguin,1979 — a British classic, full of sharp insights about the place of older people in society, and enlivened by conversation with many of them.

Buechner, Frederick, The Eyes of the Heart: A Memoir of the Lost and Found, HarperSanFrancisco, 1999. – An imaginative work, filled with religious feeling, that features dialogues about continued life with family members who have died long since.

Fischer, Kathleen, Winter Grace: Spirituality and Aging, Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1998 – the best single full-length book on the subject from the viewpoint of a Catholic woman of deep faith.

Groopman, Jerome, The Measure of Our Days: A Spiritual Exploration of Illness, New York: Penguin, 1998 – well crafted portraits of his patients by a marvelously caring doctor who aims at healing people as well as curing them.

John Paul II, “Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to the Elderly,” 1999 – An inspiring message addressed to the older people of the world Available on web at http://www.vatican.va

Keating, Thomas, Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel, New York: Continuum, 1995 – a Trappist abbot uncovers ways to enter into the life of the spirit with special attention to “centering prayer.”

Lustbader, Wendy, Counting on Kindness: the Dilemmas of Dependency, New York: The Free Press, 1991 – though not explicitly religious, this book contains much material with spiritual implications.

Malone, Nancy, Walking a Literary Labyrinth: A Spirituality of Reading, New York, Riverhead Books, 2003 – part memoir, part literary meditation, this small book, beautifully written by a veteran Ursuline Nun, can inspire prayerful reflection.

Morgan, Richard, Autumn Wisdom: A Book of Readings,  Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1995 — provides a rich series of biblical readings, reflections by other writers, and the author’s own meditations.

National Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Blessings of Age: A Pastoral Message on Growing Older within the Faith Community,” 1999. Available at 1 (800) 235-8722 or on the web: http://www.nccbuscc.org/laity/blessings.htm

Nouwen, Henri J. M., and Walter J. Gaffney, Aging, New York: Doubleday, 1974— a small treasure, full of deep human and spiritual insights about the connections between older and younger people.

Pontifical Council for the Laity, “The Dignity of Older People and their Mission in the Church and in the World,” 1998. Available on web at http://www. Vatican.va

Scott-Maxwell, Florida, The Measure of My Days, New York: Knopf, 1968 — one woman’s account of the old age experience, notable for insight and human feeling.

Snowdon, David, Aging with Grace: What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives, New York: Bantam Paperback, 2002 – though its chief research focus is on Alzheimer’s disease, this book presents a view of old age in which spirituality plays a vital part.

Thibault, Jane Marie, A Deepening Love Affair: The Gift of God in Later Life, Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1993 – shows simply but movingly how mature but spiritually disconnected adults can find God more deeply.

Tobin, Eamon, Prayer: A Handbook for Today’s Catholic, Liguori, Missouri: Liguori Publications, 1989 – an excellent  presentation that can be helpful to people of all ages.