Katharine Esty PhD

As a 77 year old, I got this book as soon as I became aware of it, looking for guidance as I move into the last phase of life. I did find it interesting, but less so than I had hoped. The most important thing I learned was that most people in their 80's are actually happy, many happier than they have ever been, despite many challenges. The book is based on interviews with 100+ people in the 80's, and the author herself is in that age group, which creates an interesting perspective. She has some information on the traits of people who seem happy in their eighties, and some guidance on how to get that way. A good read if not a great one.… (altro)

No one really wants to think about aging into the 80s. Many of us are in denial. "I'm not old." Psychotherapist, Katherine Esty, brings the issues to the forefront. When she tried to find a book dedicated to this age group, she found nothing. She decided to write a book by interviewing 128 people over 80 and 26 adult children of aging parents. She notes: "Old age is not for sissies... it requires the ability to handle and accept one by one, the losses that are encountered."

The book is a wealth of information on how to cope with growing old. The author talks about the shrinking world with bodies, smaller homes, traveling less, and making their lives more simple. Besides giving the reader a glimpse of what others have endured, she is a list maker for all kinds of groups including what really matters the most: the importance of family, passion, serving others, living in the present and relationships. She ends the book with reference materials and books. She says, "Do what you enjoy...live your life from the heart rather than from the head."

This is book I'd like for myself, my sisters, my friends and I will recommend it to everyone. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy.… (altro)