Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit

by Rachel Cowan, Linda Thal, David Behrman (Editor)

Aging can often feel like an inevitable drift. But each year new doors open with opportunities, while other close with loss. We have the power to prepare--to build our resilience and navigate the challenges. Will we turn towards the opportunities, and continue to find joy and meaning in our lives? Strengthen relationships with our adult children? Have the courage to find new ways of living? How can we make the most of the aging process, and develop into deeper, wiser people?

Genres: Nonfiction, Judaism, Jewish, Aging

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2015

About the author

Rabbi Rachel Cowan

Reviews

[Ruby]

I read this thoughtful guide as part of a Wise Aging cohort led by trained facilitators. I will definitely use ideas within as I reflect on my life and make the most of my older years.

[Craig Amason]

I almost gave this title 2 stars (the "it was okay" rating), but only because it isn't my kind of book. For what it is, Cowan's lengthy guide covers a lot of ground: self-awareness, emotional and physical health, relationships, meaningful experiences, fulfilling spiritual life, and end of life preparation. That last element is what I consider the strongest section of the book, which she covers most thoroughly near the end but touches on in several other areas too.

This book is heavy on the importance of meditation, prayer, and blessings - lots of blessings. Cowan makes it clear that she is writing for more than just a Jewish audience, but Judaic ritual, heritage, and tradition probably outshine the same facets of other religions. The whole book has a Kumbaya factor that exceeds my interest, but I'm sure for many readers it is welcome and appreciated. Cowan even occasionally gives a nod to secularism, but only briefly and almost obligatory. There are questions for reflection and suggested exercises scattered throughout the text, which makes this almost a workbook for aging wisely. Not a bad concept, but just not a real go-to for me.

[Margit Novack]

A guided journey through adult spiritual life

I felt exhausted when I finished the book, as if I had been on a long journey with two scholars who had a great deal of wisdom to convey. It’s not just that I learned from this book, it’s that I think it will make me a better person. That’s a lot to get from a book.

[CE Depner]

Beautifully rendered an insightful. A great resource got individual or group work on wise aging.

[Amy]

There are some good ideas in here, but reading it at age 39 I found I already knew most of their advice, such as "keep a gratitude journal", "try meditation", "explore forgiveness", etc. I imagine it's hard to reach old age these days without hearing a lot of those ideas. I am aging prematurely in that I have serious chronic health problems that have dramatically reduced my physical and mental function and have had some health problems usually associated with old age since I was a teenager. I was hoping this book would have more information relevant to me, but the authors assume that the 70s and 80s aged audience they are targeting are all healthy and able-bodied. There was no discussion of being lucky to live long, when some people are unfortunate to die young, nor was there discussion about true disability.

[Margaret Klein]

This is a masterful book. A great collaborative effort. Well written. Practical. Looking at aging from a variety of modalities--physical, psychological, spiritual. With plenty of questions and exercises for readers to do, either individually or as part of a group. It was effective for me as a rabbi and individual and I believe it would be good for an individual lay person as well. It doesn't assume knowledge but intersperses personal stories in with the wisdom of the Jewish tradition, modern research and many religious faiths. I am planning to use it with an adult study group at the synagogue. And personally I need to go back and do some of the exercises for myself.

[Audrey]

Aging is a topic that is not easy to talk or think about. We live in a youth oriented culture that fails to fully appreciate older adults and the wisdom they may have to share. This book is a wonderful guide to help discuss aging with others, or to use as a journal journey in self discovery. I found it full of wisdom and willingness to appreciate multiple spiritual traditions, though Judaism is a main resource. I cannot thank Rabbi Cowan, in blessed memory, or Dr. Linda Thal enough for all they have shared so others can find a wiser path in growing old. I am using it with my congregation to use for a series about aging.

[David Geller]

Wise Aging: Balanced, Thoughtful, and Comprehensive

This is the 10th book I have read on the subject of what comes next after we have finished our careers and raised our children. This is a fabulous book. Real insights about how to make the final phase of your life to be one of joy, meaning, and connection. Spiritual insights on how to change your perspective to fit this new exciting time of life. Candid advice and insights about the inevitable struggles and challenge. Well worth the time to read it.

[Jane]

The authors have written a "self help" book for closing out one's life with satisfaction. The authors are Jewish and Christian, but make an effort to bring in other religious perspectives though not to the same levels as their personal points of view.

I was hoping for a more wholistic approach that would include discussions on eating, exercise etc. in addition to mental preparedness. Those topics were not included. I found my mind drifting....

[Yenta Knows]

Didn't finish. I find these kinds of self-help books hard to read. I want to say to the writer -- "Please, just get to the point. Be as brief and direct as possible."

That said, the book has many useful insights and exercises. I know a local psychotherapist leads groups that read and discuss the book together. I'd be interested in joining such a group.

[Andrea]

Learned about this book when taking a class of the same name. Will hold onto it as a reference as I go through the “third act” of my life. Recommend it for anyone who wants to flourish rather than flounder as they age. The many changes we experience as we age require us to think differently about what we want out of the rest of our lives.

[Melody J Magnus]

Well worth reading. I recommend to folks of all ages, not just seniors. It gives you a lot to think about regarding your values and goals for a life well lived. Lots of easy exercises, reflections and meditations to stay engaged.

[Josh]

Much overlap to a recent read of Joy On Demand. Pretty sure my expectations were overly lofty.

[Rae Simpson]

Own copy. Patty knew the author.

[Anthony Messina]

Audiobook: Some good advice but too boring to read straight through and a lot of Jewish references that a gentile like me didn't really have an interest in

[Sharon]

Spiritual practices as we age resilience journaling and meditation. Wise sayings thoughtful messages

[Rachel]

Used this for a class. Provided some very good bases for follow on discussion.

[Melissa Crespy]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will probably go back to read parts of it again. I have been reading it and discussing parts of it with a group of colleagues, and I think it and our discussions have helped all of us to age wisely.

[The Jewish Book Council]

Review by Arnold D. Samlan for the Jewish Book Council.

[John Cates]

Read for a wise aging group - skimmed most of it -- was a little touchy feely, new agey for my taste, but still offers many interesting thoughts and insights for further discussion - am still aging and hopefully wisely.