How Not to Become a Grumpy Old Bugger: A Bloke's Guide to Living a Better Life

by Geoff Hutchison

They are the unhappy husbands, the disengaged grandfathers and the angry ‘letters to the editor’ writers. They sneer at generational change, know exactly where that bloody apostrophe should go and gather in sad groups bemoaning the modern world. They are Grumpy Old Buggers.
Geoff Hutchison became determined not to turn into one himself upon retirement from a career in journalism. So he what is it about ageing that tends to have this effect on Australian men, and what can be done to arrest that development?
Consulting a wide range of experts and mining his own experience and that of the other men in his life, Geoff has discovered how we can all live a happier, healthier and less grumpy life.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Kate Fredborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book. Easy to read, thoughtful, practical and entertaining. Geoff discusses many topics men can be reluctant to discuss, especially as they age. This book is needed and I feel it can be a great bridge to instigate meaningful discourse between men and their partners, men and their children and between men themselves. Geoff’s humour makes this book easily digestible and delivers hard truths with heartfelt sincerity. I would recommend to anyone with an interest in sociology, psychology, gender issues, and to old or young, grumpy and non-grumpy buggers alike, and their partners. You may just learn something, or help someone, including yourself. Great impactful read, one of my favourites this year.

[D'face · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a long chat with a favourite uncle giving you life lessons, don’t be a prick, look after yourself and those around you, take an interest. The first half was particularly engaging and easy to read. At points it gets a bit preachy and I thought the introduction of external experts and other voices was unnecessary, but that is a personal preference.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and funny with some excellent tips for staying healthy and connected.

[James Norcross · Rating 5 out of 5]

All men should read this

I particularly enjoyed the chapter by Geoff’s son

[Susan Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished Chapter 17 so far and felt moved to submit a review a little early (to be updated when I’ve finished the whole book, of course).

I am female, 50, and just found all the content so relevant for men in my life. It must also be admitted the book is rather too relevant to my impending grumpy old woman identity already making its appearance.

This latest chapter struck home especially as the closing lines are so true to my own experience - unwanted, inappropriate touching that has happened more than once despite my very unprovocative behaviour and dress. (I dress rather drably and aim for the ‘quietly appropriate’ end of the spectrum rather than ‘sexualised’ , in terms of presentation).


So many men I know directly, and men I know through women who pay the price, behave in difficult and self defeating ways. Without my seeking them out, there are constant cases of toxic masculinity that go to show why so many men are ending up rejected and unvalued, friendless and destined for less and less in their lives as they go on. Believe me also when I say toxic masculinity - I do not exaggerate. And by constant - I mean several different men this last week alone.

I am grateful for the kind, self aware and growing men in my life , and who I learn of through books like this. You give me hope and courage to keep working with the toxic men that I have no choice but to stay in relationship with.

Highly recommend this book for men who want more for yourselves, and for women who are supporting such good men.