Rockdale Citizen

Photo by Kristen Ralph

There may be a correlation, but you're not sure.

Do wrinkles directly contribute to crabbiness? Can the sprouting of gray hair cause a general miasma? And why do people think "senior moments" are so darn funny?

You wonder, because you've spotted another wrinkle and two more gray hairs, you forgot where your keys are and there's nothing humorous about that.

But getting older has its benefits, said Dr. Marc E. Agronin. In his new book, "How We Age," he takes a look at aging -- not from your body's point of view, but from your brain's perspective.

Growing up in Kaukauna, Wis., Agronin had a good role model in his grandfather, who was the town's beloved physician. Watching his grandfather at work inspired Agronin to become a doctor himself.

As a geriatric psychiatrist whose patients battle dementia, Alzheimer's, depression and other disorders, Agronin has seen the life-changing, life-threatening issues that come with maturation.

But stereotypes and cliches aside, even though our culture is obsessed with youth, his patients also enjoy benefits that come with aging.

Once upon a time, we barely aged. Just 100 years ago, the average human lifespan was around 50 years, which means, said Agronin, that aging is "less a product of nature and more of a human achievement wrestled from nature."

Centenarians, in fact, are the fastest growing age group in today's world.

But as we pluck gray hairs and worry at wrinkles, we need to remember that physical signs of aging are mere annoyances. The real issue to focus on is that aging is harshest on our brains.

So, despite the inescapable fact that we have no neuron Fountain of Youth to rely on, can we age well ... in our heads?

Agronin thinks so. In this thoughtful book, he writes about patients he's known who have faced their Golden Years with grace and strength.

There was the man who used a wheelchair and couldn't remember much personal history, but could carry on an eloquent conversation in his native Russian language.

There was the group of women with early-stage Alzheimer's who embraced their own social network, showing Agronin that alone, patients might falter, but together, their limitations were eased.

Then there were Marilyn and Mac. She accepted aging eagerly. He fought it. Both agreed that with years, came "gifts" -- better judgment, contemplation, mellowness and, sometimes, delight.

Part science, part essay, "How We Age" is not one of those books that blindly celebrates the so-called wisdom of years. Agronin bluntly writes about dementia, forgetfulness, Alzheimer's and other issues that come with seniority. He's honest with his readers without trying to hide anything.

Then, he balances the bad with soaring stories of the goodness in becoming an elder, including serenity, knowledge and acceptance. Agronin's colleagues taught him that aging has no cure. His patients taught him that aging really doesn't need a cure.

Thoughtful, warm and wise, "How We Age" is a book for everyone who's putting on the years, like it or not. For all of us, books like this never get old.

"How We Age" by Marc E. Agronin, MD, copyright 2011 by DaCapo Press, is 302 pages and sells for $25.

Contact book reviewer Terri Schlichenmeyer at www.bookwormsez.com.