The Virtues of Aging

by Jimmy Carter

Former president Jimmy Carter reflects on aging, blending memoir, anecdote, political savvy, and practical advice to truly illuminate the rich promises of growing older.“As we've grown older, the results have been surprisingly good,” writes former president Jimmy Carter in this wise, deeply personal meditation on the new experiences that come to us with age. President Carter had never enjoyed more prestige or influence on the world stage, nor had he ever felt more profound happiness with himself, with his accomplishments, and with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, than in his golden years. In The Virtues of Aging, Jimmy Carter shares the knowledge and the pleasures that age have brought him. The approach to old age was not an easy one for President Carter. At fifty-six, having lost a presidential election, he found himself involuntarily retired from a job he loved and facing a large debt on his farm and warehouse business. President Carter writes movingly here of how he and Rosalynn overcame their despair and disappointment as together they met the challenges ahead.President Carter delves into issues he and millions of others confront in planning for retirement, undertaking new diet and exercise regimens, coping with age prejudice, and sorting out key political questions. On a more intimate level, Carter paints a glowing portrait of his happy marriage to Rosalynn, a relationship that deepened when they became grandparents. Here too are fascinating sketches of world leaders, Nobel laureates, and great thinkers President Carter has been privileged to know—and the valuable lessons on aging he learned from them.The Virtues of Aging celebrates both the blessings that come to us as we grow older and the blessings older people can bestow upon others. An important and moving book, written with gentleness, humor, and love, The Virtues of Aging is a treasure for readers of all ages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Politics, Inspirational, Presidents, Self Help

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.

Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.

He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.

Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.

Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.

Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...

Reviews

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter is an over achiever when it come to finding something to do after retirement. First he retired from the Navy to become a peanut farmer. Next he retired from being governor of Georgia to become President of the United States. Then he became what some people call the best ex-POTUS ever by establishing the Carter Center, volunteering with Habitat For Humanity, authoring many books (see note below), and serving as a non-governmental third-party negotiator in a variety of international diplomacy issues.

This book is part autobiographic commentary of his post retirement life and it is also part advice regarding how to maintain good physical and mental health in a person's older years. One thought I had while reading this book is that it had many of the characteristics of an long feature article in an AARP publication.

Since I'm also retired I feel a bit defensive about my time of retirement not being as productive and impressive as the author's. So I've struggled to think of something I done that exceeds that of Jimmy Carter. My answer is that I've posted more book reviews on Goodreads.com than he has.

Note:
GR's author page lists in excess of 60 distinctive publications that show Jimmy Carter as author. That apparently includes translations and/or compilations of past speeches, and other publications that are actually duplicates.

[Jim Dooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE VIRTUES OF AGING wasn't eye-opening by any means. It was filled with the majority of issues I'd already considered. On the plus side, the writer's "storytelling" style for examples and gentle insights (even when facing challenges such as failing health) kept everything readable.

The main point (although not specifically mentioned as such) appeared to be that if you remained aware of the present, kept seeking opportunities to engage your mind, and sought to treat others with honesty, respect and kindness, then it is likely that you will feel more self-confident and happy in your senior years. My favorite sections involved resources for staying involved in the world, and brief stories of people who achieved terrific things in their seventies, eighties and nineties.

There are also occasional faith homilies and "down home" tales. It never felt to me like preaching, though.

THE VIRTUES OF AGING would be most valuable for people who have a fear of "becoming old," or who are about to enter the Retirement world without having given thought to more than financial considerations. For those of us who have already taken the time to reflect, it is appreciated more as the perspective of a famous person.

[Kate Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former President Carter, now in his late nineties, wrote this over 20 years ago. He begins by saying that he was just 56 when he was "involuntarily retired" from being president and had to figure out the rest of his life. He tells quite a bit about his background and family members. Most striking is that none of his three siblings nor his father lived past 65, all of them dying of the same cause: pancreatic cancer. Carter's mother Lillian, widowed at 55, became a fraternity housemother, then nursing home manager, then Peace Corps volunteer at 68. Carter tells us that even into her eighties, she woke up each morning "with determination to make the new day an adventure." She died at 85.
Carter suggests practical ways that seniors can stay positive and engaged in life, through continuing education, participating in sports and fitness as they are able, activities with friends and family, and particularly through volunteering in their communities. He says the two crucial factors determining an older person's happiness and success are 1) having a purpose, and 2) maintaining quality relationships with others.
Overall, the tone of the book is relaxed and friendly, like sitting down for a chat with a wise elder.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift because I have an interest in presidential history and biographies.

Carter is surprisingly candid about part of his life in this book, such as his bitter disappointment in not winning a second term. We learn how Carter and Roslyn found meaningful activities in their lives and forged new shared interests in retirement.

Overall, the presentation of his ideas and shared stories about his own aging are not very scintillating. For instance, he lists activities they tried with a few sentences about them without deep insight.

One interesting insight is that in 1998 when he wrote the book he did not believe Social Security would be viable for long. We were warned about this in 1973 as newly weds and you can read the warnings in contemporary newspapers. And yet, what has the government done about it, other than raise the retirement age?

The advice is quite generic but still good.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I'm 76, I decided I'd better read something about aging. The title of this book was intriguing - since being "virtuous" (for once in my life) sounded nice. But, while mildly interesting, it hasn't improved me - and becoming virtuous is no closer than before I read the book. I seem to be doing what I'm supposed to be doing at this age - which was disappointing, since I thought I was maybe exceptional. It was sort of interesting to be reading this now since it was written in 1998 and Jimmy Carter is now 90. I'm fond of the man. Anyone who can fight off an angry swimming rabbit is someone to be fond of. His contributions AFTER his presidency have exceeded those while in office. FASCINATING. There is one thing, however, which I do not intend to emulate. For his "old age," he and Rosalynn decided to settle back in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. You're not going to catch me going back to Des Moines!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Jimmy Carter and Roslyn have contributed so much since his years as President to helping others. It was a pleasure to read his thoughts on life and aging, especially since I am now a bit older myself. They both experienced an amazing life, and the book is full of wisdom and advice on having a fulfilling, active life after retirement. Jimmy is still a positive presence for good, even today. Although this was written years ago, it is still pertinent today. It is a wonderful reminder that life in your "golden" years can still be happy and full of adventures!

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful reminder of a gifted United States president whom I have always respected and loved. A gifted orator and inspiration to me for so long. i really appreciate and admire his service to our country from his youth to this day. I have looked to Jimmy and Rosalynn in reading this book, for guidance in how to go forward as I go forth in my elder years. I loved this book.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short how-to manual on making the best of growing old, The Virtues of Aging may have better been called “the responsibilities of aging.” Jimmy Carter spends a chunk of this book on statistics and societal reasons for the elderly not to become too much of a burden, but then gets into some ways to make an aging life a happy life. Published when Carter was in his mid-seventies, the now 99½ year old apparently knew what he was writing about!

The book presents a plethora of ideas about things that people can do and enjoy in their seventies, eighties, and beyond. It also has a chapter on some particularly inspirational oldsters, which Carter must have known his name would soon be among.

Offering retirement as a new beginning, The Virtues of Aging has a noble purpose and optimistic outlook. Though it is a little dated, that fact only reinforces the value in the long-matured. This quinquagenarian should quickly heed the ex-president’s advice.
I’m going to start by taking a class on this thing called “the internet.”

[Gary Anderson]

I first read this book when it came out in 1998 after I had the privilege of meeting President Carter at a book signing. I was barely forty, and President Carter was then in his mid-seventies. I enjoyed the book for its positive, pragmatic tone and the anecdotes from the life of someone I’ve always admired. I’m now in my mid-sixities, and I read The Virtues of Aging differently this time. Although some of the details about various programs are dated, the wisdom about aging is just as fresh and valuable as it was twenty-five years ago. Carter focuses on how to navigate the challenges of aging while embrace its joys, and what aging means to age “successfully” can mean. It’s a short book, and one I recommend to others of a certain vintage.

[Michael Pepe · Rating 2 out of 5]

With news of his death, I eagerly read this book by Carter, a global statesman, humanitarian and centenarian. The book is filled with the kinds of homespun advice one might pick up from Reader's Digest. Carter appears naïvely unaware that the enrichment opportunities made available to a former President are not as readily accessible to senior citizens living on social security.

[Tish · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. He has a good attitude but I didn’t think the execution of the book was all that good.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter describes how he and Rosalynn build a rich and full life after his "forced retirement" at 56 (when he failed to win re-election). As a young adult, he imagined a life with much fewer possibilities for himself as a 60 something, 70 something and 80 something. However, he built a life full of purpose, service, learning, devotion, and meaningful relationships with friends, family members, activists and volunteers. He also describes the rich and full lives of many people 80 plus, dispelling the myth that people past 65 have nothing to contribute. From the details of his book, it's clear that many mature people are making meaningful contributions in several venues. Inspiring and informative.

[Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

One you get past the platitudes and preachiness (this is Jimmy Carter), you're reminded again that, while he may have been one of our worst modern presidents, he is also one of the best human beings to have ever held the office. His mature acceptance of the viccissitudes of aging, and his ability to grow at every stage of life is pretty inspiring. I wouldn't vote for him again, but I would like to have him as a neighbor.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I grabbed this in hopes of reading it with my husband, but after reading a good chunk of it myself, I'm not going to finish it. President Carter wrote this 23 years ago, and honestly, he comes off as a bit of a scold. I haven't read anything else he has written, so perhaps I will try something with different subject matter. He is such an admirable human being that I don't want this to be my only experience with his words.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Jimmy Carter's thoughts on growing older, since I am getting older myself! The book has a lot of wisdom. As a Navy Veteran, reading about his Naval career was of particular interest to me. Jimmy and Roslyn had a quite an amazing life and contributed much to helping others in the years since his Presidency. Jimmy and Roslyn have been a positive influence for good throughout their lives. Although this was written years ago, it is still pertinent today. Reading the book made me realize there is still much good to be done and a lot of life to live in your later life!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim, and very glad I did: it's charmingly written and full of some pretty basic advice that I can often use reminders of. Plan for retirement, keep your body as healthy as possible, create new friendships and maintain the old ones, volunteer, revisit the topics that interested you when you were young.... and on & on. This is written by a 70-something for fellow seniors, but I'm feeling old enough lately to feel like I can use a lot of this advice. And it makes me nostalgic for a time when we had presidents (& ex-presidents) who exuded a sense of compassion and honor. (Of course, Jimmy Carter has always been a unique president in that way.)

[Sally Kilpatrick]

As I near 50 and think about the next half of my life, who better to consult on aging than Jimmy Carter? I'm not sure there's much here that I needed to learn per se, but I did get some new ideas and a lot of reassurance.

Attending a Sunday School class taught by President Carter is still one of the highlights of my life--all the better to have shared the experience with my mother. If ever there were someone who demonstrated servant leadership, it would be the Carters.

[Anthony Millspaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book. As I age, I only wish my life as fulfilling and rich as President Carter. He gives sage advice as living your best life especially after retirement. What a wonderful man he was.

[Diane Gladstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wise man who took the time to share some positive ways in which to face aging.

[Kenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

i don’t know what to do with the knowledge of 73 year old jimmy carters sex life

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on aging. Carter certainly lived his values. I wish we had more leaders like him.

[Lisa Lepic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was somewhat out of date but there were also some nuggets of wisdom that are timeless.

I learned about some interesting organizations. The book also helped me realize how my attitudes have changed as I’ve aged (for example: I now enjoy experiences over “things”).

[William Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realizing that I have reached a chronological milestone clearly pushing me past the stage of being a senior citizen (whatever that might mean), I exposed myself how others might think of my aging. Some years ago my wife and I enjoyed a book that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had written about their lives. They constantly disagreed over how Jimmy remembered events, so they eventually turned it into a "he said/she said"-book — delightful, entertaining, and encouraging. So, I thought Jimmy's book The Virtues of Aging might be the right selection. He would understand my internal battle with accepting my age. Thankfully I was correct. This little book encouraged me in ways I did not anticipate. It has a strong positive tone throughout, while recognizing that humor goes a long ways to bearing up under the weight of sensitive losses and limitations. Since Jimmy and Rosalynn are strong Christians, he openly describes the fulfillment of living life biblically. Our former president offers sound counsel on coming to terms with aging and enjoying its many benefits. A must read — even for those who have not quite yet reached that milestone in life.

[Jonathan Mandell · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of Jimmy Carter's 19 post-presidential books (so far), this short tome offers folksy, common sense advice for people who, like him, are "involuntarily forced into retirement" -- in his case, from the White House.
In one chapter, he talks about the activities he maintains -- fishing, mountain climbing, bird-watching, skiing, tennis, hunting -- and adds "I haven't yet given up at ny of the active sports of my earlier years, although I have had to cut back on some of them. Now I run three miles a day with Rosalynn instead of the seven miles I ran while president, and we limit our tennis to two sets of about twenty games." Somehow in there lurks one explanation for why so many see his presidency as a failed one.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pretty much like everything that I've read by Jimmy Carter. I guess I like most anything that encourages me to think positively and do good. Plus I like his voice. This particular book didn't tell me anything I didn't know but I guess that's often the case with something that is basic and rings true, no big "ah-has" just "well, of course".

[Jennifer Nanek]

This was a nice little book written to make one feel better about getting older. President Carter explains about some of the benefits of being older and how one can improve ourselves over time. He encourages education, volunteerism, getting things in order, staying healthy and so forth. I enjoyed this, was a quick and easy read.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very meaty but a very easy, quick read. I did find some parts overwhelming, as in, Jeez, I'm such a slacker compared to President Carter and his cohorts! But, I did find inspiration in the second half of the book and recommend that for people who enjoy thinking about the meaning of their lives and managing the fact of our mortality.

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have this audio book, read by the author. I listened to most of it last year in the Spring. I have great respect for this man and would love to volunteer to work in his center in Atlanta. I help out on Habitat for Humanity. He has a good mind.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This came highly recommended, so I was hoping for a little more than what I got. It was an easy read, some helpful advice I'd like to refer to later. There are parts of it I'd like to read again in future years, as the "Aging" thing becomes more real.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so positive and left me feeling good about myself and what we can all do in our senior years, life is not over if we pursue interests and help others. It was an easy read and I think I may read it every year to remind me of what's really important