The Joy of Aging: Why Older Isn't Always Worse

Most Americans blindly accept the idea that newer is automatically better. But a human life contradicts this premise. There is a great deal of happiness to be found as we grow older. My own parents, now in their sixties, recently told me that they are happier now than they have ever been. They would not want to be my age. Did this surprise me? At first, yes. Then it gladdened me. Their contentment holds out great promise for me as I move into the next - perhaps even better - phase of my life.'

Analysis of Clauses:

1. 'that newer is automatically better' - noun clause
2. 'that they are happier now than they have ever been' - noun clause
3. 'They would not want to be my age' - independent clause
4. 'Did this surprise me?' - independent clause
5. 'Then it gladdened me' - independent clause
6. 'as I move into the next - perhaps even better - phase of my life' - adverbial clause.