We invite readers to visit the other sections of our Web site and correspond with us regarding any questions you may have. And we hope you have as pleasant experience as we did in working with a teacher and one of her students from Hamilton, Texas, who was interested in aging. Click here to read about that teacher and that student who may be just like you. 

Now ask youself this question: "Will I have a good old age?" Well, exercise may be one of the keys to an affirmative answer, so click here to learn more about the surprising benefits of exercise as we age.

Before you finish, we want you to do these two things:

1. In a quiet place, close your eyes and envision yourself someday being an older person and having done everything you could to ensure that you have a good old age; and

2. Take a look at another "teacher" from another era from whom we can learn much – Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), the Spanish master artist. Goya, one of the greatest painters, was known for his self-portraits. At age 80, he painted one of his most famous works and entitled it Aun Aprendo.

Click here to see why this painting is a good visual metaphor for productive aging. You see, Goya, even though he was old and suffering from his kyphosis (the hump on his back probably caused by Tuberculosis of the spine) and arthritis, was inventing a new technology for his field. In 1826, he was the first to do lithographs, signed and numbered copies of a limited edition that makes a few owners feel very special, and someday very rich. Thus, the English translation of Aun Aprendo from the old Spanish means "I am still learning." And we hope when you’re 80 you too will still be learning. You’re going to need it since you’re going to be at least 101.

Chapter 1: The Enigma of Aging

Chapter 2: Processes of Aging

Chapter 3: Social & Psychological Aspects of Aging

Chapter 4: Research

Summary