Crossroads at Midlife

With medical science, health care, and healthy lifestyles extending our lifespans as never before, more and more midlife adults are finding themselves caring for their aging parents. This role can trigger not only logistical and financial challenges, but also great emotional upheaval. There is a reversal of roles as the childoften in the midst of raising his or her own adolescent or young adult offspringbecomes the caretaker of the parent. A parent's aging and mortality elicits strong feelings of loss, and a stark realization of one's own aging and mortality. Past, present, and future paths converge, and the caretaker is at the center of that crossroads. Psychologist Pravera specialist working with such caretakersshows us their inner worlds, and how they used a difficult point in their lives to embark on a journey of self-understanding and self-transformationa journey toward a more meaningful life for themselves. Readers can gain a better understanding of their own lives and know they are not alone in their struggles to contend with and find powerful benefits from the emotional side of caring for an aging parent. Distress can become peace of mind, as we see in the stories of men and women who sought Praver's help. Relationships that might be weakened by a caretaker rolerelationships between caretakers and their children, spouses, and friendscan actually grow stronger with the experience. Profound issues affecting caretakers are shared in this evocative book, which is an enlightening and enjoyable read.