Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half

by Kerry Burnight

From America’s Gerontologist, Dr. Kerry Burnight, comes a practical guide that offers a radical new approach to longevity.
                         
Dr. Kerry Burnight—known to her many followers as "Dr. Kerry"—is sparking a revolution to make older better.  Fed up with the fear driven, anti-aging hysteria, hundreds of thousands of people turn to Dr. Kerry for her practical, effective and uplifting approach to navigating longevity—our parents and our own.
 
In Joyspan, Dr. Kerry shares her popular philosophy and tools in a comprehensive resource that moves readers from fear to peaceful confidence. Dr. Kerry’s insights, along with those of her inspiring 95 year-old mother Betty, is based upon a profound the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life. Books that advance lifespan and “healthspan” don’t address the whole picture. Longevity is meaningless if you don’t like your life. Dr. Kerry introduces readers to the critical concept, “joyspan” based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose.
 
Part manifesto, part how-to guide, Joyspan proves that internal strength is as critical as external fitness.  Filled with both perspective-shifting strategies and troubleshooting for the specific challenges of aging—including caregiving, dementia, unexpected diagnoses, isolation, uncoupling via death or divorce, financial concerns, and more— this book is a stand-alone resource for a generation looking for a new better way to grow older—and to assist our aging parents to do the same.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Personal Development, Psychology, Mental Health, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Kerry Burnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book which was such a privilege and I pray it may empower each reader to live the best long life possible.

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I intended to give Joyspan 4 stars. And, maybe it is more of a 4.5 for me. The reason to take away a point is that the book got off to a slow start, with the author repeating the main concepts too many times. I felt a bit talked down to.
However, once the preliminaries were completed, the book took off.
Each chapter covers a different aspect of joyspan, which is the life satisfaction part of your lifespan. Dr. Burnight uses a matrix to improve the lives of the elderly: give, adapt, grow and connect.
Within the matrix guideline, the author discusses recommendations such as curiosity and laughter.
I really learned so much from Joyspan. It has helped me relate to my mom better as well as make changes along with my husband for our own improvement. I really enjoyed the writing style as well. The reading moved along easily and at a good pace. 5 stars because the book has stayed with me, on my mind and in my conversation. Good stuff.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read!!! As a woman navigating perimenopause and feeling the weight of getting older resting on my shoulders- this book could not have come along at the perfect time for me to read.
First of all, thank you Dr. Kerry Burnight for such a wonderful and inspiring read. The possibility of aging with confidence, positivity, purpose, and dare I say, grace is exciting!! The strategies laid out in the book to aid in living my best life until the end are thought provoking. This is a must read for everyone- young and old 😊
Thank you to Taylor Peterson and the Hachette Book Group for offering me this early read opportunity 💜

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best book I've read on aging and living your best life. There are plenty of interesting anecdotes, including many references to the author's amazing 95 year old mother Betty. There is advice, but it reads more as an idea book. Its focus is how to grow, how to connect, how to adapt, and how to give. Because I've read many books on aging I don't often come across new material Joyspan is the exception. It was fresh and inspiring from the first page to the last.

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kerry Burnight has a PhD in gerontology (the study of aging) and has spent much of her professional career working with older adults. Her 2025 book Joyspan is a mix between other books on aging I've recently read -- the practical wisdom of Gary and Max Sirak's How to Retire and Not Die: The 3 Ps That Will Keep You Young mixed with philosophical elements of David Brooks' The Second Mountain mixed with a bit of aging science in Dr. Eric Topol's Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.

Burnight opens the book with a vignette about her two grandmothers -- one of her grandmothers believed the best of her life was behind her by her early/mid 60s and spent her time lamenting the curse of old age, while her other grandmother remained upbeat, energetic, socially well-connected, and with a full calendar of activities she enjoyed doing and gave her life meaning and purpose. Not only did the latter grandmother live longer, but she had a much more fulfilling second half of life -- tying into Burnight's concept of joyspan, the length of one's life that is lived enjoyably, which is distinct from lifespan (length of life) and healthspan (length of healthy life).

Though I'm not quite the target audience for this book (statistically I'm still in the first half of my life, presuming I live into at least my late 70s), I do think it'd be helpful for folks approaching retirement age to read, though How to Retire and Not Die: The 3 Ps That Will Keep You Young remains my top recommendation because of its practicality without fluff. I found Joyspan to be repetitive, with many quizzes and inventory exercises throughout that all go back to the same central points. I do think those points are valid, though -- aging isn't something to be feared or dreaded, and rather than spending millions trying not to die, a better goal is cultivating the habits, passions, purposes, and relationships that will stand the test of time.

My statistics:
Book 312 for 2025
Book 2238 cumulatively

[Jason Pettus · Rating 1 out of 5]

2025 reads, #19. Although there’s nothing actually wrong with the information in this book, it’s one of the most offensively brazen examples I’ve ever seen of an author taking a single four-item bulletpoint list and expanding it to a 300-page book without adding even a bit more unique or insightful information. (Here are the four items, so that you can just skip the book itself: in order to have a happier life in your elderly years, continue being a curious person; continue putting time into both existing and new relationships; get better at adjusting to changing and challenging situations; and continue sharing of yourself and being devoted to service of others. That’s it; that’s the entire book.) If you too are driven mad by someone taking ten pages (not an exaggeration) to say not even a single other thing besides, “You should laugh more!”, then avoid this like the plague.

[Ana Novkovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝙅𝙤𝙮𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙣 𝘣𝘺 𝘒𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵
“𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦; 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵.”

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of Joyspan by Kerry Burnight, and I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity. This book was so much more than I expected; it’s one of those rare non-fiction reads that doesn’t just inform you, but truly transforms the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.

From the very first chapter, I felt an instant connection to Burnight’s warm, insightful voice. The writing is clear, compassionate, and deeply authentic. What struck me most was how Kerry weaves personal stories, research, and actionable wisdom into something profoundly moving and practical at the same time. It’s not often that a book can simultaneously make you tear up, nod along in agreement, and want to jot down notes on every other page.

Joyspan is an exploration of what it means to live meaningfully, embrace aging, foster connection, and cultivate joy; not just in fleeting moments, but as a sustainable part of everyday life. Burnight draws on her rich background in gerontology and human connection to deliver a book that feels like both a science-backed guide and a conversation with a wise, kind friend.

I learned so much while reading this. Some sections left me reflecting on my own life in ways I didn’t anticipate, while others gave me practical, actionable advice that I’ve already started implementing. It reminded me of the importance of relationships, the underrated power of gratitude, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to expansive changes in quality of life.

I can confidently say this is one of the best non-fiction books I’ve read in years. It’s beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and endlessly insightful. I think this book will resonate with anyone looking to live a more intentional, joyful, connected life, no matter your age or stage.

I cannot recommend Joyspan enough. Whether you’re seeking to enrich your life, navigate challenges with grace, or simply soak up a little more everyday joy, this book belongs on your shelf.

I learned so much, felt so seen, and finished it feeling hopeful, grateful, and inspired to live more meaningfully every single day.

Huge thanks to Kerry Burnight and the team for the opportunity to read this early, I’ll be recommending this one to literally everyone I know. 💛📚

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Kerry Burnight has been studying old age since she was a kid. This book combines data about thriving with data about older folks to give us data about how to thrive in old age.

Notes:

The Four Actions Groups of Thriving: Grow, Connect, Adapt, Give.

How to cultivate joy to improve your lifespan: Gratitude practice; exercise and play; social connections; mindfulness and meditation; meaningful work and hobbies; acts of kindness; laughter.

What's normal as you age? You lose about 10 to 15 percent of your muscle mass and strength over your lifetime. Severe muscle loss, sarcopenia, is not a natural part of aging. It's often the result of lack of physical activity... Bone weakness is more common in everyone starting at age fifty...It is normal for the lens in your eyes to harden. It is also normal to experience some hearing loss. Skin becomes thinner and less elastic over time. You also sweat less as you age. High blood pressure is the most common heart condition for people seventy-five and older. And heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. ...as they get older, people tend to have improved emotional regulation.

Curiosity. As you age, engaging in curiosity-driven activities promotes neuroplasticity.

Humor. Kids laugh all the time---three hundred times a day on the average. ...laughter declines sharply around age twenty-three and continues to dip into middle age. By the age of forty, the average person laughs only three hundred times every 2.5 months, approximately four laughs a day.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With decades of experience as a renowned gerontologist, and with the sage wisdom offered by her 95 year-old mother Betty, in Joyspan Dr. Kerry Burnight has written a comprehensive guide on approaching aging with confidence, positivity, and a sense of purpose. Joyspan combines personal anecdotes with scientific evidence to provide you with the specific tools needed to maximize your JOY in the years ahead. A very useful, informative, and inspiring book!

[Cindy McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! We’ve needed this book for far too long - enough with anti-aging already! Thanks to Dr. Burnight, the exciting possibilities of growing older with joy are clearly defined. I erroneously credited good genes or luck with aging well, but Dr. Kerry changed my mind. I love the clear, simple strategies to living my best life all the way to the end. This book is a must-read!

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just loving this book as it proves and explains and further develops ideas I've been familiar with from positive psychology research.

While this deals specifically with how to live a better more joyful second half of life, I think it is never too early to read it as long as you're past adult age. There are lessons we can learn an apply even in our 20s or 30s to set us up for better behavioural patterns.

I'm planning to reread it as soon as it's out to make sure these ideas stick with me. The questionnaires each chapter is dotted with help analyse our own lives and take action wherever action is needed

I warmly recommend this book to absolutely anyone who is interested in leaving a joyful meaningful healthy long life. Thank you Dr. Kerry Burnight for taking the time to distill your knowledge and experience into such a enjoyable format.

Also, thank you Netgalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️s

Great read and a complete perspective-shifter on the concept of aging. I found it illuminating in just how prevalent growing older is related to negativity in modern culture. I love the concept of joyspan and the intentional focus on the quality of our years (lifespan) or our health (healthspan). I will be recommending this book to others 👍🏼

[Lisa Harker · Rating 4 out of 5]

How lucky am I to be entering my mid-forties in an era when aging is finally being portrayed in a positive light! Dr. Kerry Burnight has coined the term, "joyspan", to describe a better way of growing older and I am HERE FOR IT.

Following years of research as a Gerontologist, Burnight shares her insights on how to live joyfully into your older years. This book does not simply focus on exercise and eating well, but also on giving back, being an active part of your community, and being adaptable to your changing circumstances. Although not all tips are immediately applicable to me at my age, it is a good reminder to begin establishing these important life parameters.

A special thank you to Hachette Nashville publishing for the ARC.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this!

[Angie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough people are talking about this concept on the journey of aging. Joyspan is a concept of leading a fulfilling life as we age. I have known people who have aged well and people who have not aged well. As a psychologist I have wondered if it involves a person’s locus of control. Some people just do not seem motivated to embrace aging. But if you are picking up this book you likely want to make the most of aging. It is Most encouraging to hear psychological wellbeing can be changed.

To thrive in old age means to live a fulfilling purposeful and satisfying life despite the challenges that accompany aging. it involves maximizing physical health, cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges. Rather it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy and value in life. People don’t thrive in longevity by mistake or luck. People who thrive in longevity actively maximize the quality of their lives. But how?

Seeing aging as the opportunity to do more living. She always saw her value and knew she had more to offer. Why do you want to live longer? For whom? For what?

Like physical fitness your psychological fitness- joyspan- takes effort and attention.

Your genes are not your destiny.

Empowering individuals to influence their aging journey is at the heart of joyspan.

Results showed that people expressing gratitude, enthusiasm and joy Lived seven to ten years longer than those with neutral or negative emotions.

Strong social connections is a key predictor of joyspan.
Gratitude practice
Exercise and play
Mindfulness and meditation
Meaningful work and hobbies
Acts of kindness
Laughter
Reduce stress
Keep learning
Exercise
Good nutrition
Sleep



Encouraging lifelong learning, community involvement, and inter generational interactions can mitigate feelings of loss. Lack of social connection does greater harm than obesity and high blood pressure.


Four essentials of the Joyspan Matrix
To Grow- explore and try new things
To Adapt- continually adjust to new situations
To Connect- invest time and effort into relationships
To Give- by sharing of yourself

If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy the Wiser Than Me podcast too

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone can benefit from reading Joyspan. Dr. Burnight does a wonderful job of explaining how we can live healthier, longer lives in simple ways. With her expertise as a gerontologist and real-life stories that have proven much of the science involved, you are sure to learn what it takes to accept the changes and challenges in your life and to have joy throughout. This book is for all age groups; it is useful as you age or as you deal with aging parents.

“Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments, nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called ‘I’. Grant me, oh Lord, a sense of good humor. Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke, to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others.” ~Thomas More, 1498

I've enjoyed this book so much that I will be purchasing a hard copy for my library. It's full of wisdom that I want to reflect on for the rest of my life.

Thank you to Worthy Books for this ARC of Joyspan and for allowing me to read it and publish my honest review. This review is entirely my own, and I was not influenced in any way.

[Jamie Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came into my lap at the perfect time. I have always wondered what the difference between joy and happiness. Now I have more understanding. I am currently in the middle of writing a blog post about it. I recommend this book, especially if you have a chronic illness. We get so focused on suffering that we forget that we can have joy in the middle of the suffering.

[Carmen Shea Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lately I have seen an explosion of books about "the second half of life." The theme usually revolves around how it isn't too late to follow your dreams, achieve your goals, re-invent yourself, etc. Nothing wrong with that---the fact that people are living longer and dealing with the challenges and stereotypes of aging, as well as women now being more vocal about menopause, has led to a demand for books that address this topic. But to be honest, the choices can be overwhelming, and I thought this book was just "more of the same." No, this one is a little different.

Known as "America's Gerontologist," Dr. Kerry Burnight is medically qualified to discuss the specific challenges of getting "older" and the importance of the "Joyspan" of our lives, which is more important than our lifespan. As she states, longevity is only 25 percent genetics and 75 percent lifestyle, and throughout the book she discusses how "keeping our joy tank full" greatly improves our quality of life and mental health. She devotes an entire chapter to each of the four elements of the Joyspan grid--Grow, Connect, Adapt and Give--and takes you through specific ways to incorporate these into your daily life. My favorite part of the book is the section on "daily check-ins" and suggestions for what to do when you start feeling tired, foggy, down or "when you're not sure what the problem is, and you just feel blah." With loneliness and isolation the top two causes of poor mental health as we age, she offers concrete suggestions to foster better relationships and make new ones. Her personal stories about her own experiences, her parents, grandparents and friends, adds the perfect personal touch to this guide for getting older.

If you or someone you know is fearful of the aging process or "dreads getting old," this is a must-read. Oh, and she gives one admonition that I just have to share, because we've all done it: "Don't call an old person "cute;" as she says, many see it as patronizing and offensive. Also, stay away from those greeting cards that make fun of being "over the hill." This is a subtle sign of our culture's disdain for the aging process. And don't get her started on the beauty industry...

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 As an avid listener of books I would actually recommend this one be read instead. I could see myself referring back to certain relevant part and specific statistics that were more relatable and think I’d have better retention if I hadn’t listened. The overall message is good and it’s clear that aging as we know is inevitable yet being mentally and physically healthy as you age is a choice you have, and though genetics play a part (and a much SMALLER part than I believed which I appreciate) there are many things you can do to make your second act more fruitful, enjoyable and rewarding. Many good points heard and noted for both myself and to think about for my mom who is the same age as the author’s mother. I might have preferred fewer examples about Betty because at times it felt like the book was more about Betty than the actual concepts presented though I appreciate the adoration for her mom who I’m sure is every bit as incredible as conveyed.

[Janice Anastasiadis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!

Dr. Kerry Burnight has tapped into specific elements that promote joy and health right now in preparation for thriving in life’s second half. “America’s Gerontologist” offers both the scientific research and fascinating examples of Joyspanners for you to fully appreciate the Joyspan concept. You will learn the importance of your Joyspan; see how growth, connection, adaptability, and giving can shape your Joyspan; and discover essential life tools to maintain your thriving Joyspan. This important work is the result of a lifelong career at the forefront of gerontology and a must read for all audiences.
Janice Anastasiadis, MA BS AAS

[Marja Coons-Torn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise of this book. Within the first two pages, Dr. Burnight puts it right in front of us. “What’s the point of a long healthy life if we’re not enjoying it.” Using her own mother as her first example, she tells us that enjoying your life is not a matter of genetics or luck. There are many upsides, and things I needed to be reminded of. The only downside is that it has struck me as a little repetitive.

Burnight uses her own mother for many examples. That’s fine. I wish I still had my mother to look to as a source of wisdom. She has developed a kind of chart that people can use to analyze what they do in four areas and what they would like to do. Give, connect, adapt and grow are the key words for her. It is by being honest with ourselves about how we are doing in those key areas, and being open to what we would like to be doing that we achieve joyspan.

I would highly recommend this book to those who are feeling bored or dissatisfied with their life, especially older people. I have known many people who have been unable to retire (by which I mean quit working) because they could not imagine what to do. These are the folks who will find help and hope in Dr. Burnight’s book. It’s probably time to retire the word “retire” and replace with another word (but I haven’t thought of one yet.) Burnight is a step in the right direction.

[Caren Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe JoySpan is a concept that should be shared and taught more widely and much earlier in life. The book offers practical, accessible tips that I found both meaningful and easy to apply. Several points deeply resonated with me, and I’ve already begun implementing the strategies in my daily life. Overall, this is an important and impactful read that I would recommend to many people.

[Carrie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love so much about Joyspan! It was very inspiring. My only real critic is that I listened to the audio version, and there are so many parts of the books I would like to go back and reference again, but it's very difficult to do without the physical book. I'm going to purchase the physical book now and re-read. Highly recommended for anybody 50+ years old.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy read with helpful tips for aging gracefully and inspiring examples of people who have lived long, healthy, joyful lives. It is repetitive and doesn’t say much that is new, but it’s a good reminder of things to do to get yourself back on track.

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. The information was explained well and there are plenty of real people examples within the chapters. The science in the book was explained well and had fact to back it up. It gave an uplifting take on wellbeing and gave you the advice to adapt this outlook into your life. I am glad I was giving the opportunity to read this book.

[McKell Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

We continue to push away the possible (aging with hope, joy, resilience, connection and confidence) to flounder and grasp at the impossible (not aging/staying young forever). This theory offers a total overhaul and remodel of our aging attitude framework, it’s broken down into clear and concise methods, and has all the science to back it up. I really connected with the visual diagrams of overlapping healthspan, lifespan, and joyspan. I truly feel like human experience is meant to have an equal joyspan and lifespan. We all have that one person we can think of who embraced every year/decade of their life with curiosity, humor, and enthusiasm. We also all know someone who vitally needs to discover joy, purpose, connection, and love.

Thanks Worthy Publishing and NetGalley for letting me preview this book.

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible!

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book isn’t really different from other works on positive psychology. Its main message is that, even as you grow older, you should accept your physical limitations, keep a positive attitude, change your false beliefs about getting older, practise gentle forms of exercise such as yoga or walking, eat healthily, get enough rest, nurture fulfilling relationships, find new hobbies, keep a gratitude journal, and make time for spirituality. The only difference is that all these positive suggestions should be applied to your later years. But in truth, they are valuable at any age.

[Jenifer Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I wanted to love this but it was incredibly repetitive.