[Autonomy of the elderly]

If individuals cannot change life events, at least they can change their attitude towards them. To do so, older people need autonomy; that is, the freedom and independence to accept what they cannot change. How to master life and enjoy the remaining years, and how to replace negative forces by positive ones are explored here with caring and sensitivity. Readers are challenged to accept death as well as life, and that happiness in the later years is embodied in one's capacity to embrace health or sickness as a powerful lesson. By living fully into old age, we can attain peace, serenity and joy.