Aging Wisely

Everyone ages. Not everyone ages well. Aging Wisely explains that much of what happens to our minds and bodies as we grow older depends on our approach to life and our attitudes and feelings about ourselves. Though there are elements beyond our control, we must take advantage of those things we can control while dealing competently with adversity. In describing the impact of aging and various conditions associated with the aging process upon our minds and bodies, Aging Wisely provides readers with the knowledge needed to fight back and maximize their relevance and independence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the quality of our lives in addition to longevity, for survival alone does not matter if the quality of survival is poor. To age successfully, we must find satisfaction and pleasure in what we do in the time available to us.

Here, Robert A. Levine explores how attitudes about aging, and quality of life, can affect the process of aging. He suggests that maintaining a good attitude is a key element to aging well, reminding readers that aside from illnesses and random events, we are in control of our lives. Through personal accounts and real stories from mid-lifers and older people, the various issues associated with the aging process are addressed in an easy-to-follow way to allow people to understand the choices they have, and the decisions they may have to make, when faced with common diseases of aging. Levine devotes chapters to discussing the various illnesses that people can face in their older years and strategies for leading fulfilling lives while reducing their risk of physical and cognitive decline. He considers ageism and its impact on society, and he discusses how advances in science and technology will affect how people age in the future. Levine offers helpful consideration of aging for readers who are preparing themselves for what lies ahead, allowing them to then confront aging with the advantage of being ready.