Abstract
Using the socially-constructed binary between wisdom and cognitive impairment as its case study, this essay tries to break this binary, first by describing and contextualizing the situation of the author’s mother in her 90s. Dangers to American well-being in general include failures of medical assessment and caregiving, and, not least, problems maintaining the crucial traditional link between old age and wisdom. Hope resides in viewing minds differently, restoring respect to elders, and recognizing wisdom wherever found.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.