The Elder Wisdom Circle Guide for a Meaningful Life: Advice from One Generation to the Next

Inspired by his grandmother, Meckelson, a former worker in the financial services industry, founded the Elder Wisdom Circle in 2001. Now nationwide, this group comprises volunteers aged 60–100 who endeavor to provide assistance to younger people who ask questions through a Web site. Meckelson and L.A. Times staff writer Haithman have divided representative correspondence into such subjects as careers, sibling issues and death. Many engaging and thoughtful questions and responses are recounted. Although one respondent recommends trusting in God, the circle members are by no means all believers and are required to refrain from proselytizing. The elders are not afraid to discuss nontraditional family structures and also humanely and appropriately deal with inquiries about sexuality. Anyone looking for empathy and practical strategies for overcoming difficulties from those who have been there will profit from this light-hearted guide and be inspired to visit the Web site, elderwisdomcircle.org.(Oct. 30)