Old and on Their Own

by Robert Coles, Thomas Roma (Photographer)

Long recognized for his work with young people, the prominent child psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Coles explores the lives of the elderly in Old and on Their Own . Dr. Coles introduces us to eleven men and women over the age of 75 living on their own. These older Americans share their thoughts, memories, aspirations, and worries, and tell us what it means to be old. Their stories are full of humor and hope, told with courage and dignity. The photographic essay by Alex Harris and Thomas Roma provides an important visual dimension to this book. Harris photographed in Durham, North Carolina, and Roma in his native Brooklyn. Whether rural or urban, black or white, rich or poor, these elderly people emerge as strong and inspiring individuals who deserve our respect and admiration, and who show us how to live our later years to the fullest. 40 photographs

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Child psychiatrist, author, Harvard professor.

Robert Coles is a professor of psychiatry and medical humanities at the Harvard Medical School, a research psychiatrist for the Harvard University Health Services, and the James Agee Professor of Social Ethics at Harvard College.

Reviews

[Jerusha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of essays based on interviews conducted by Robert Coles. I was really touched by this book, as it helped me understand questions ands concerns that must certainly be plaguing my grandmother, but she is unable or unwilling to discuss with me (or was I unable to really listen to what she has been telling me?...) Robert Coles is very honest in his writing, he includes his perceptions and tendency to begin to analyze the interviewees' comments from a psychological perspective.