Elderly Woman's Tale: Perils Encountered in Everyday Existence Revealed

New Article: "A Woman of Eighty" by Angelika Arend: A Refreshing Perspective on Age and Prejudice

Angelika Arend's latest collection, "A Woman of Eighty", offers a thought-provoking exploration of retirement, age discrimination, prejudices, and societal changes in Western societies, primarily through the lens of older women. Published by Mitteldeutscher Verlag, Halle in 2025 at a price of 16 Euro, this compelling work invites readers to delve into the complexities of aging in contemporary society.

The collection sheds light on how retirement impacts identity and social roles, highlighting challenges such as ageism and marginalization that elders, especially women, often face. Arend's stories are based on her personal experiences, and some may have caused her sleepless nights. The themes discussed include retirement as a critical life phase, age discrimination and stereotypes, prejudices related to gender and age, societal changes in Western contexts, and calls for greater inclusion and recognition of the contributions of older adults.

"A Woman of Eighty" is not a call to anger, but rather a humorous and understanding approach to age discrimination. The collection tackles various topics, such as the difficulties and complexities of relationships, particularly in modern society ("After the Happy End"), the gradual education of a father with old prejudices ("Apprenticeship of the Parents"), hidden racism and discrimination ("Black and White Sheep"), and the resurgence of old prejudices and discriminations ("A Woman of Eighty").

One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Dimwit from the GDR," which reveals Arend's own experiences with discrimination and prejudice. Another compelling tale is "Sister is Burden," which portrays people who lack composure and any feeling for their fellow humans, blaming others when life thwarts their plans.

East Germans will find a familiar ring in the collection, as work is much more than just a job, including social participation, friendships, challenges, self-realization, and recognition. The story "Labors of the Mothers" portrays a loving grandmother struggling against the stubbornness and heartlessness of her daughter-in-law, while "Burned Child" depicts a young woman's search for love in 1960s Germany that ultimately fails due to social prejudices.

In "What does one do at 80?," Arend questions the rigid retirement age, encouraging Western societies to reconsider the role of work beyond just earning money. The collection also delves into the theme of hidden racism and discrimination in "Black and White Sheep."

Angelika Arend, a former Professor of German at the University of Victoria, moved to Canada and later retired in 2007. Her return to Germany was a deliberate move to reconnect with the contemporary German language and write her own stories and poems. "A Woman of Eighty" shows that there is still much to learn from everyday life experiences, often overlooked as life adventures.

Arend's work likely contributes richly to ongoing discussions on work, identity, and social equity, centering voices and stories often marginalized due to age and gender. Her collection serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, empathy, and inclusivity in navigating the complexities of aging in contemporary society.

Angelika Arend's book, "A Woman of Eighty," discusses the impact of retirement on a person's lifestyle, revealing how it shapes social roles and identity.
The book delves into the fashion-and-beauty aspect of aging, addressing stereotypes and prejudices related to age and gender.
Family-dynamics and relationship challenges in modern society are explored in stories like "After the Happy End" and "Sister is Burden."
Pets and their role in elderly life are subtly touched upon in some of Arend's stories, such as "Labors of the Mothers."
Travel experiences and their significance in personal-growth are hinted at in the collection, with beloved destinations possibly shaping the perspectives of the characters.
One can find in the book a reference to car ownership and its implications, particularly in the East German society, as work goes beyond earning money, connecting people and offering a sense of self-realization.
Sports enthusiasts, especially basketball fans, may find a connection in the story "Burned Child," where social prejudices obstruct a young woman's pursuit of love and self-development, mirroring the challenges faced in career-development and sports careers as well.