Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is an enjoyable read. I appreciate the straightforward language used by the author in order to describe his journey as a senior citizen. It has also helped me understand the seniors in my life through his anecdotes.
This book is an inspiration for senior citizens everywhere. The author shows concrete examples of how to cope with the everyday life of a retiree. He has found purpose in the simple joys of his existence, such as in music, in lasting friendships, and in acceptance. He has also become real with disappointments, boredom, and loneliness. His essays are a balance of the positive and the negative aspects of growing old, and even if I am not yet a senior, I can relate to his writing.
I am a PWD and I do face discrimination from senior citizens whenever I queue with them in priority lanes in public transport and to avail discounted groceries and medicines. My disability is non-apparent, so usually, seniors raise their voices at me and ask me to leave their queue. I used to be very aggressive towards them, but after reading this book, I resolved to be more patient in explaining to them that I have every right to be in their queue because I am a PWD. Given their setbacks and challenges, I will keep the author’s book in mind whenever I encounter an irate senior citizen who thinks fighting with a PWD is okay. I will also try to reframe my mindset towards senior citizens. They are struggling with their identity, and maybe those who pick fights with me think that life should be fairer towards them. Life is unfair, even more brutal to those who are part of marginalized sectors.
Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is now available!