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Dennis...(and others in this discussion).... After having had a few lengthy discussions in this realm with other female PWP (and other chronic diseases) I think the bitterness/anger/loss is a more complex problem for the women to deal with........ Non-single males retire from professional ranks with disability and fill their days with whatever they choose to absorb some of the hours....generally having a partner who assumes some of the care/extra work nurturing that goes on in the home. Non-single and single females may retire from the professional ranks and fill their hours with other things too......however, they are still face to face with the caregiving/nest making/family nurturing/entertaining/holiday preping whatever that generally is done by females in this Mars vs. Venus world of ours.... People are recognized by their careers.......but women are also recognized/"judged" for their nurturing skills........and they face the deterioration of these skills daily with no escape. Whether it is the fumbling of a spouse/partner or the loss of nesting skillls, or the inability to cope or assist family members in need, women experience this loss to a stronger emotional point that do men. The "retirement" syndrone gradually fades as we move further away from the workplace............but the inability to keep up the pace at home/family level with daily chores/prep is a longer process so it seems for the women. Rita Weeks 54/9