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. Reviews: Levine . . . takes a comprehensive approach to his subject, discussing such topics as aging at the cellular and other biological levels, diseases affecting the elderly, ageism in American society, strategies for remaining vital in old age, and the technologically enhanced future of aging in the 21st century. ... [R]eaders will be intrigued by notable facts (56% of seniors have less than $25,000 in retirement savings) and will appreciate Levine's compassionate advice ('Find a peaceful time everyday for renewal...through meditation, prayer, walking, or any form of conscious solitude').
— Publishers Weekly In his latest book, Aging Wisely, Levine maintains that our physical health is often tied to how we approach life. Simply put, when we feel better about ourselves, we age better, too.
— Newsday How-to, history, philosophy, and science: Dr. Robert Levine’s book provides a prescription for aging wisely and with dignity. Brimming with anecdotes, and written in an interesting and clear manner, it’s good medicine for those of us who want to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives.
— Jan Cullinane, best-selling author of The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement This lively, engaging book provides helpful and realistic advice on how to “age wisely.” Blending cutting-edge medical research, poignant vignettes, social history, and frank yet friendly advice, physician Robert A. Levine provides Baby Boomers a roadmap for how to age with dignity and acceptance.
— Deborah Carr, professor of Sociology, Rutgers University; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences (2015-18) Aging is an unavoidable part of life, yet it is accepted unwillingly and with apprehension. Aging Wisely is a wonderful book, written from the bottom of the soul by a physician who, building on the wealth of his medical knowledge and career-long experience, outlines with crystal clarity a plethora of social, economic, and medical changes occurring with advancing age and offers strategies to confront them.
— Martin J. Sadowski, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine
Table of Contents:
1: Introduction
2: The Baby Boomers- Aging Reluctantly
3: The Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation- Life Before the Baby Boomers
4: The Impact of Time and the Aging Process
5: Knowing Your Enemies- Diseases and Disorders Common With Aging
6: Loss- Aging’s Companion
7: Ageism- The Marginalization of Older People
8: The Quest- Strategies for Control
9: It’s In Your Hands- Additional Strategies
10: What the Future Holds- Aging in the New Millennium
11: Doing It Your Way- Preparing For Life’s End
12: Observations and Conclusions
About the Author: Robert A. Levine, MD, is former chief of neurology at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut and retired clinical professor at Yale University. He has authored three other books, Aging with Attitude, Shock Therapy for the American Health Care System, and Defying Dementia (Rowman & Littlefield, 2010).
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