The author asserts the efficacy, value, and ethical responsibilities in providing psychotherapy for the elderly. Adhering to general laws about aging violates the ideographic, individualistic value of psychoanalysis. Social and biological definitions of age also limit clinicians—the various personal meanings that old age and death have for any one person must be explored on a case-by-case basis. Moreover,

the unconscious is timeless; thus, the core elements of the elderly person's passions and conflicts are as fresh as when they first emerged in childhood. The moment of genuine, emotional insight for an elderly patient is as eternal and as inspiring as for anyone else. No matter the age of the person, the experience of loss is transcended at these moments and life feels timeless (a clue to mystical experience?). The author offers case illustrations on how elderly patients may defensively use issues related to growing old to obscure profound conflicts that concern aspects of their inner and outer lives other than their aging.