What do you think the book says about the aging process? Do you agree with the author’s point of view on getting older? In what ways does Lottie fight her age, and in what ways does she give in to it?
Our society seems to be primed to think of “seniors” in a certain, often not flattering ways. As our bodies, health and circumstances change, some people can succumb to “thinking” old and that would not be healthy for them. I read a book recently, “This Chair Rocks” by Ashton Applewhite that offers a whole new perspective on aging. Recognize the changes, embrace them, be as involved and active as possible, enjoy the ride. Lottie keeps going and, even while maneuvering killing and body destruction, makes time to stay in touch with her coffee group and the local church activities. She fights the idea of moving from her home into a “senior” setting but finally goes in that direction. She does need a new hobby.
As I am definitely dealing with aging frustrations including health issues, not able to do what I could do in my younger years and decreasing energy level…..I would never consider or have the conscience to murder anyone!
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As you get older and reach your 70s you do start to think about how much time you have left. If you happen to be a senior who is living alone due to death or divorce you do think about if something happened to you who would know. Out of that the first alert industry, help I’ve fallen etc. At some point decisions have to be made about remaining at home vs a facility. I would also say there are lots of seniors who are active right up to death. Lottie doesn’t use her cane trying to appear more youthful. Towards the end of the book she gives up on dressing to impress and goes for comfortable much to her friend’s dismay. Lastly I think we all wonder about how we will be remembered.
In my opinion, aging is tough. You start to have physical limitations that you did not have. So many people have judgments about older people, that they can’t do the job or are not able to do tech. But instead, these are individual traits, not the entire aging population.
There is also joy in aging, if you can find things you are interested in then you have the time to explore them. Besides, making your own schedule as opposed to having a set work schedule is delightful. But I do not recommend murder as a hobby as Lottie does!
Most importantly, just like Lottie kept her connections with her friends, it is important for seniors to stay connected. Sounds like a perfect plug for reading and Book Browse!
Downing makes astute observations not just about older persons but, in particular, older women. Lottie expresses her fury about not being seen. Like so many women, Lottie has, as she has gown old, become invisible. Who would suspect that an unobtrusive elderly lady playing bingo in the church social hall just savagely murdered a young woman and disposed of her body in a most callous and nightmare-inducing manner? No one. Which illustrates again how clever, original, & weirdly resonant Too Old for This is.
Lottie deals with challenges that are all too common for people in her age range. She’s searching for a retirement community to move to because she is very aware that she is physically slowing down, tires easily, and definitely does not want to be dependent on anyone else, especially Archie. Her memory isn’t as good as it used. She is concerned about whether she can afford to live in her preferred senior living facility, an issue many senior Americans grapple with.
She simply doesn’t want to disrupt the routines she is accustomed to. Returning to her time-consuming, exhausting life as a killer is burdensome. She definitely has enjoyed her quiet retirement life and resents being forced back into action, especially considering how the risks are elevated because of her age.
Lottie uses the cane for balance - giving in, maybe. She has looked into retirement homes - good planning, not giving in. Knowing she needs to move to keep her independence - giving in to her age. The book agrees that the aging process is individual. Lottie knows she will need more help as she ages and is moving in that direction. Her church friends are not at that point yet and are staying put. Some people are ‘old’ at 55 - others are not ‘old’ until their 80’s or more. Nature and nurture both effect people, so ‘old’ is a relative term.
Lottie is struggling with the realization that she is alone and could very well die alone. She does keep her “job” as necessary to protect her freedom as even at her age, she does not want to be found out for what she is.