Norma Jacob

This pamphlet is dated, calling for Friends to support the movement for bringing the mentally ill into full fellowship with all. It maintains that in the care of the mentally ill, the caring person can give help crucial to recovery that medical treatment cannot. It includes some history of Quaker treatment of mentally ill people, including Quaker COs assigned as attendants in state mental hospitals, who contributed to the transformation of the treatment of the mentally ill.

Jacob describes from her experience the various benefits and blessings she has found in growing old, and of course the various diminishments as well. She has some strategies to recommend. This is a fairly upbeat treatment, pleasantly written.

Discusses the longstanding interest of the Religious Society of Friends in people with mental illness and urges support for the movement of de-institutionalizing those with mental illness and welcoming them into community life.

A retired social worker reflects on various aspects of aging, including its liberation, its losses, its fear, and its openings.