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Abstract
The popular book, Who Moved My Cheese? (Johnson, Citation1998) is a metaphor for change. This parable-like story has particular resonance with older adults who face many potential life-altering changes. The four characters in the book are looking for their cheese in a maze. Cheese represents whatever makes people happy. How each character adjusts to the loss of cheese parallels the process of adjusting to one or more of the many transitions in the lives of older adults. The character Hem fears change, so he resists and denies it while Haw learns to adapt when he is confronted with change. Sniff senses change early while Scurry gets right down to action in the light of impending changes. The straightforward lesson of “moving with the cheese” may help adults understand and cope with changes as they age. It may also propel health care and social service professionals toward a workable approach to change with their clients that provides positive opportunities for effective adaptation.