The Final Interlude: Advancing Age and Life's End

Having recently turned 64, I'm definitely in the Growing Older category, and beginning to feel some visceral concerns about aging. As my parents' generation fades away, that seemingly eternal wall between mortality & me suddenly seems a lot more tenuous. I have no interest in desperately pretending to be younger than I am; but at the same time, I want to genuinely grow into age, not wither into it, as many do, sadly.And at just the right time, as I begin to mull over these things, along comes this small but rich book about age as a time of transformation, creativity, and deepening richness of life. I hesitate to use the word "inspirational" if only because it's become so watered down as to be meaningless. But the conversation between authors Roloff & Lockhart in these pages, and their specific stories about individuals finding or making real meaning in their lives in their 80s & 90s, is indeed a powerful & positive experience.I won't try to summarize that conversation here. Suffice it to say that it's the sort of quietly intense talk that makes the reader want to join in, and that stays with the reader afterward. There's a good deal of wry, bemused humor here, which seems to me a vital part of growing older; and the wealth of ideas is scintillating, not drearily ponderous. For me, this book was a felicitous discovery, most highly recommended!

Lee Roloff was my teacher, both during my undergraduate and graduate education. I encountered him first purely by accident, when I signed up for an introductory course as a disaffected freshman--and he never stopped teaching me deeply and richly. We stayed in touch until a month before his death. I am very grateful to Russell Lockhart for bring their final dialogue into print. Lee had discussed the project with me and was excited about it. I only wish he were still here to talk about his (and Lockhart's) ideas.

This marvelous, inspiring book should be a must read for all of those facing the Final Interlude. It is beautifully written by two wise and thoughtful Jungian analysts, whose obvious close friendship enabled them to share their most personal insights and experiences. I especially liked their conclusions that as we age it is even more important to express ourselves through the arts or any other form we choose as well as encouraging playfulness in our advancing years. Russell Lockhart's observation that in all his years of experience with dreams they are always forward looking to the future even at the end of life. Love this! I will treasure this work .

I'm 79 and in that stage of my life. I have been a follower of C. G. Jung since high school, and I find that his teachings and philosophy of life have given me just the right information and comfort to help me through all the stages of my life. I have two 50 something daughters and a 21 year old daughter, and I've given them Jungian books throughout their lives. This book is such a comfort. Nobody really knows what happens during death. Each person is on a unique journey. This comforts me.

An excellent book that everyone, young or old, needs to read as they journey through life. Roloff and Lockhart share at a very deep heart level that magnifies their ideas in the book. In America, these values of working with the unconscious through dreams, visions, and imagination need to be elevated for the health of the psyche and for the healing of this country. Everyone would benefit from reading this rich soulful book. Thank you Dr.Lockhart and the late Lee Roloff for following the dream's announcement. Well done!! I'm buying copies for my friends.C. Medina

I enjoyed this book immensely. In particular, I appreciated Lee Roloff's sense of the last years of life as a time of transformation and how valuable it is to approach our last years with transformation in mind, as opposed to simply ending life. I also appreciate the emphasis Dr. Roloff puts on creativity in the lives of elders. Most interesting was his observation that creative activity helps maintain brain health. I'm so thankful that Russell Lockhart completed publication of this marvelously valuable book following Lee Roloff's passing.

Unbelievably excellent book. So beautifully written, very helpful and soulful. Excellent and soulful writers.

Content may be good but fell apart the first time I opened it.