The entire book is one anecdote after another flowing from one into the next with very little theoretical content overarching it and predominately North America focused. I had hoped, as a 36 year old, to learn generally about ageing trends and changes but this is targeted at the older adult as a “how to” book from the experience of the authors as if they are complete novices at it.

From Cambridge University Press, THE GIFT OF AGING by Marcy Cottrell Houle (a scientist and award-winning author) and Elizabeth Eckstrom (Chief of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University) is subtitled "Growing Older with Purpose, Planning, and Positivity." Referring to "the third act of our lives," the text begins with a Foreword by Bill McKibben and then offers multiple chapters split into four areas: Caring for Your Mind, for Your Body, for Yourself & Family (practical issues) and for Your Soul. Each offers a blend of scientific facts with inspirational stories. For example, they cite updated work by the American Geriatrics Society on the Beers List Criteria, leading readers to "Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution." Other comments stress that "the top ten habits, including exercise, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, creative engagement, and healthy sleep, all help prevent cognitive decline." THE GIFT OF AGING is a generally cheerful book with numerous suggestions like wearing sturdy shoes even inside (slippers have their name for a reason) to avoid falls. Several Mediterranean Diet recipes and an Index are included, too. Other recent books (both previously available through NetGalley) on positive aging experiences include: The Wisdom of Morrie, and Wake Up With Purpose!

4.5 stars

This book has loads of pearls of wisdom in it! The subtitle is Growing Older with Purpose, Planning, and Positivity. This book is applicable to my aging parents but also to myself. It is a combination of stories and life lessons from people including Bob from Bob Mills (think flours and oatmeal!). Some of the nuggets in this book are that we take care of ourselves by taking care of others; that if we make a contribution and be a part of a cause that is greater and more enduring than ourselves then we can feel we have purpose and are leaving a legacy. The book has helpful actions to take as we age. The authors also describe "denialists" and "realists" - denialists fear aging and don't take steps to prepare where realists view life as it actually is and adjust as needed. I found this to be a very helpful framing. They also give tips on diet and exercise and even include a few recipes! I found this book to be an informative read and I will be referring back to the tips and recipes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Cambridge University Press for an ARC and I left this honest review voluntarily.

"The Gift of Aging", published by Cambridge University Press is to be released on June 8, 2023.
It’s a blend of inspirational stories of older people not only thriving but relishing the last decades of their lives and a host of practical advice to help manage the inevitable decline of capacities with grace and gratefulness.

Marcy Cottrell Houle is a wildlife biologist, award winning author and contributor to many notable magazines and Elizabeth Eckstrom is Chief of Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University. Her work focuses on healthy aging. Both eminently qualified in their fields, they have collaborated to produce a book that encourages older people to revise their preconditioned conception of aging as an ordeal of physical debility, mental decline, loneliness, anxiety about burdening loved ones and fears about dying. As we age, as Marcy Cottrell Houle found, we may struggle to keep “the aging demons at bay”. But as with all demons, once faced they turn out not to be as invincible as we feared.

Elizabeth Eckstrom has travelled the world in search of places where aging people are still living vital, purposeful and happy lives – places called “Blue Zones”, defined as locations where substantial numbers of the population live in good health for 100 or more years. Such people have low rates of age-related diseases and extremely low rates of dementia. Her findings on why this is so informed many of the strategies discussed in the book.

There is a wealth of information in the book, ranging from recipes for healthy eating and financial planning at one end of the scale to spiritual wisdom and reflections on what life and death might mean for those grappling with these profound questions in the “third act” of our lives.

A focus of the book that particularly resonated with me was the emphasis on the importance of developing a sense of purpose. This is so much more than filling in time. Having a sense of purpose is vital to our ability to face each day with optimism. The authors make it clear that it isn’t always easy. Succumbing to apathy and self-pity is often the path of least resistance. But making a conscious decision to find purposeful work and activities, volunteering, helping others or pursuing a passion brings rich rewards.

A must-read for anyone dealing with ageing related issues and their loved ones and friends. Or even for younger people who are contemplating this last stage of their lives with apprehension.

My thanks to NetGalley and Cambridge University Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this review.

There's some wisdom here, and some good advice and stories. I'm not sure there's anything new here (and there doesn't need to be), but the info is solid, and certainly help some readers.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

This book was okay, there was nothing new or exciting for me in it. There were a lot of life stories from some people who have managed to live well and happily into their older years and they were nice and some might find their advice useful.