Coming Into Our Town

Much of psychology is concerned with the first two decades of life. But people do not stop developing after age 21, reminds Gerzon ( The Whole World Is Watching ), as he examines ``what the great Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung called the `second half of life.' '' Citing middle age as an opportunity for metamorphosis and new adventures rather than a time of resignation and stagnation, the author discusses how the mind affects the body--and vice versa--and urges keeping fit. Yet he notes that denying the aging process can itself contribute to the breakdown of the body and spirit. Chapters on love and marriage, career satisfaction (as opposed to mere financial success) and spirituality are also included. Becoming whole, writes Gerzon, requires taking responsibility not only for oneself, but also for the earth. His thoughtful observations are spiritual without being religious or preachy. (May)