The Wonder of Aging
A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
Bestselling author and renowned family counselor Michael Gurian teaches you how to embrace aging and life after fifty through this spiritual and comprehensive guide.
The topic of aging after fifty is frequently only discussed in terms of health—what are the physical symptoms that come with advanced age, and what can we do about them? The Wonder of Aging, however, aims to look at aging in a new way—as something that is positive, showing how miraculous our second half of life can be.
Gurian divides life after fifty into four stages: Stage 1: The Age of Transformation. This is the stage of life from the late forties to approximately sixty. Stage 2: The Age of Distinction. This stage of life lasts from approximately sixty to seventy-five. Stage 3: The Age of Completion. This stage involves completing our life-journey, both together (if we are still coupled) and alone, if our spouse has passed on or if we are divorced. He developed these stages in response to both scientific and anthropological information, and in response to the needs of his clients, who sought help in understanding where they were and what to expect in the second half of life. With updated research and anecdotes to help you discover a new paradigm for aging, you can understand how aging affects you physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually, and how to celebrate these changes holistically and healthfully.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Let's fully experience that and see what great journey we can make as we sing a new, mature song of wonder, love, adventure, and empowered age." Mental health counselor Gurian (The Purpose of Boys) turns his attention to the second half of life, addressing the needs and discussing the cycle that elders experience. Combining his own experience with that of other researchers he discusses the elements of healthy aging, including a focus on reducing physical and mental stress, embracing the aging process, creating new communities, and spiritual growth. Gurian's prose is ever mindful, whether discussing human needs for happiness, gender differences, the role of sexual intimacy, or the multi-faceted impacts of chronic disease. He intersperses thought-provoking explanatory passages with bulleted lists, providing detailed or summarized information for readers. This book opens much-needed discussion on aging and dying often considered taboo topics in American culture, which is ironic given their nature as universal experiences and will give readers the means to approach these topics with their families and friends. Gurian has an optimistic, energizing, and sympathetic voice that will inspire readers as they seek guidance on their journeys through life.
