Ancient Wisdom and the Measure of Our Days: The Spiritual Dimensions of Retirement, Aging and Loss

Book Synopsis:
“Ancient Wisdom and the Measure of Our Days is a treasure. Brancato provides his readers with the opportunity to reflect on the universal process of aging while in the company of sages from around the world. It is a loving and gentle text that all will find comfort in.”
—Melinda Plastas, Ph.D., Bates College

“This gem is long overdue and we thank Dr. Brancato for his gift.”
—Rabbi Harry Sky, author of My Journey and Give me 2 Minutes of Your Time

“The further I ventured into Brancato’s book, the more convinced I became that I will read it over and over again, learning something new each time.”
—Kali Lightfoot, Executive Director of the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes

The longer we live, the more likely we are to experience great losses in life such as the death of a partner, family member or friend, and the inevitable diminishment of our physical and mental functions.

Combining 50 years of ongoing study of world religions with his own experiences of aging, Dr. Brancato relates the world views of sages and saints to the realities of change as we age: our shifting personal identities, the quandaries of how to live in unanticipated circumstances, and the incomprehensible nature of the Infinite.

This significant, thought- provoking book offers counsel, solace and advice to those facing retirement, aging and loss. It is to be read slowly, reflected upon and read again.

About the Author:
Fred Brancato has a Ph.D. from New York University’s Department of Culture and Communication. His career path has included professional baseball player, social worker, teacher, foundation director and executive director of a child welfare association. In his retirement, Dr. Brancato teaches Tai Chi and conducts courses at the University of Southern Maine continuing education program and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.