Aging Wisely: Facing Emotional Challenges from 50 to 85+ Years

by Viola B. Mecke

"Growing older brings many thoughts of “I wish I knew that before.” This book provides information to help us age as well as possible. Surprisingly, our feelings do not age. Loneliness, fears, retirement, sorrow, and contentment abound.
At a time when life is thought easier, new problems and situations that are challenging arise. Four stages of aging include the initiation to aging at about fifty years of age, changes in life following retirement, a gradual acceptance of being older, and the final years of eighty-five and older. Feelings about the self, relationships with partners
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Genres: Nonfiction, Health

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2013

Reviews

[J.J. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of widsom

As I approach another birthday, I am aware of the changes facing me as I age, I'm truly grateful for this book. It's a wonderful guide and companion to keep with you as you face life changes. You discover you are not alone. Kudos to the author for a well written book full of insights and wisdom.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aging Wisely: Facing the Emotional Challenges from 50 to 85+ Years is a powerful and insightful book written by Viola Mecke, a clinical psychologist who draws from her personal experiences and professional expertise to delve deep into the emotional complexities of aging. Through her words, readers are transported into a world where they come to understand that as the years pass by, not only do our bodies change, but so do our emotional expectations and capacities. Mecke masterfully illustrates that by learning to accept and anticipate these changes, we can truly embrace aging and make the most of the precious moments in our golden years.

“I hope to show how to greet the emotional stresses that aging brings so that it can become a time for realizing the fullness of life.”

In this comprehensive 13-chapter book, Mecke divides the aging process into four distinct stages: The Phase of Fulfilment (50-65 years), the Phase of Retirement (65-75 years), the Productive Years (75-85 years), and the Phase of Loving Living (85+ years). Mecke guides readers through the unique challenges that come with each stage, such as physical and social changes, the independence of children, and the grief associated with loss. One of the book’s highlights is Mecke’s expert handling of the topic of dependency. Mecke dives into the murky waters of dependency with a deft hand. She shines a light on the possibilities of making the most of dependency and even turning it into a tool for personal growth.

As the years creep up on us, many older individuals find themselves losing touch with their ages. The days blur together, and birthdays slip by unnoticed until a loved one surprises them with a cake adorned with a number that jolts them back to reality. Despite this, we may not feel old, but our bodies, physical health, and societal acceptance serve as constant reminders that we are indeed getting older.

Aging Wisely is a must-read for anyone looking to live their best life at any age. With its insightful content, relatable anecdotes, and practical advice, it is a guidebook for navigating the emotional complexities of aging and embracing the fullness of life. In addition, the author’s vivid imagery and descriptive yet simple language bring the aging process to life, making it a truly immersive and thought-provoking read.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bland. Nothing new here.

[Angela Bezold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually do not read any type of self-help books but this one seemed to call to me and my 55 years of age. Some good advice and some common sense but an all-around good read.