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Why Did I Come into This Room?: A Candid Conversation about Aging
Why Did I Come into This Room? is a funny “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” for the aging woman.
“I’m too old for Snapchat, but too young for Life Alert.”
In her most candid and revealing book yet, acclaimed broadcast journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused, and on edge. In her hilarious book, Lunden takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor. After all, laughing is better than crying—unless it makes you pee! Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or more, this book is full of helpful information to embrace—or at least prepare for—the inevitable.
Funny, captivating, and raw, no topic is off limits. Lunden goes where others fear to tread, openly talking about wrinkles and age spots (which Lunden insists are sunspots), expanding waistlines (no, you didn’t shrink your jeans), diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we’re talking about leaking), hot flashes (they suck), disrupted sleep (the morning host is an expert on lack of sleep), changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we suddenly find ourselves always searching for those car keys!
Through her poignant and often laugh out loud funny personal experiences, Lunden candidly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she’s coping with the realities of aging. She’s talking about the good, the bad and the ugly, elevating the conversation on topics often considered “taboo.”
Why Did I Come into This Room? also explores the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible.
Even more importantly, Lunden goes beyond the physical aspects of aging by closely examining the mental and emotional minefields that come with our advancing years. As she explores the value of asking ourselves important questions including, “Am I still relevant?”, “Do I have meaningful friendships?”, and “Am I leaving an impactful legacy?” Lunden also examines the freedom in “letting go,” the importance of managing stress, and how joy and a sense of purpose all play an impactful role in slowing the aging process.
In a society where youth is revered and aging feared, Why Did I Come into This Room? is the long-awaited tell-it-like-it-is guide for women of all ages. As Lunden says, “Aging ain’t for sissies…you better be prepared.”
“I’m too old for Snapchat, but too young for Life Alert.”
In her most candid and revealing book yet, acclaimed broadcast journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused, and on edge. In her hilarious book, Lunden takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor. After all, laughing is better than crying—unless it makes you pee! Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or more, this book is full of helpful information to embrace—or at least prepare for—the inevitable.
Funny, captivating, and raw, no topic is off limits. Lunden goes where others fear to tread, openly talking about wrinkles and age spots (which Lunden insists are sunspots), expanding waistlines (no, you didn’t shrink your jeans), diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we’re talking about leaking), hot flashes (they suck), disrupted sleep (the morning host is an expert on lack of sleep), changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we suddenly find ourselves always searching for those car keys!
Through her poignant and often laugh out loud funny personal experiences, Lunden candidly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she’s coping with the realities of aging. She’s talking about the good, the bad and the ugly, elevating the conversation on topics often considered “taboo.”
Why Did I Come into This Room? also explores the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible.
Even more importantly, Lunden goes beyond the physical aspects of aging by closely examining the mental and emotional minefields that come with our advancing years. As she explores the value of asking ourselves important questions including, “Am I still relevant?”, “Do I have meaningful friendships?”, and “Am I leaving an impactful legacy?” Lunden also examines the freedom in “letting go,” the importance of managing stress, and how joy and a sense of purpose all play an impactful role in slowing the aging process.
In a society where youth is revered and aging feared, Why Did I Come into This Room? is the long-awaited tell-it-like-it-is guide for women of all ages. As Lunden says, “Aging ain’t for sissies…you better be prepared.”
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
417 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Joan Lunden
30 books27 followersJoan Lunden is an author, journalist and television host. She found fame as the co-host of Good Morning America from 1980-1997. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Lunden is the mother of seven and lives in Connecticut with her second husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 18, 2020
~~~~~How Old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you are? ~~~~~
I’m 54 years old, but on MOST days I feel like I’m 34.
This was a fun and informative book about aging. Lunden does a fabulous job of navigating through the highs and lows of aging in this book. She shares valuable medical information, tips, and laugh out loud personal stories about the struggles and beauty of the aging process. I even learned a few anti-aging tricks along the way. So that’s always a good thing !!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!
I’m 54 years old, but on MOST days I feel like I’m 34.
This was a fun and informative book about aging. Lunden does a fabulous job of navigating through the highs and lows of aging in this book. She shares valuable medical information, tips, and laugh out loud personal stories about the struggles and beauty of the aging process. I even learned a few anti-aging tricks along the way. So that’s always a good thing !!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!
September 14, 2020
Nothing new and the author comes across as unlikeable (sp?).
Too much Good Morning America talk/references. She quit in 1997. Why keep bringing up something you haven’t done in decades?
Two sets of twins in her 50s. If this a Candid Conversation, why not disclose these were via surrogates?
You know how (work wise) you’re supposed to answer the phone with a smile? Well, she is smiling so much she’s nearly laughing. This got old real fast for me, and I kept wondering how exhausted she must be at the end of each recording day.
Ok, I get it...you work out a lot and you’re NOT fat anymore.
Bragging. Starts off telling us about a vacation with her daughters that most people could never afford. Entitled and name dropping lifestyle.
Too much Good Morning America talk/references. She quit in 1997. Why keep bringing up something you haven’t done in decades?
Two sets of twins in her 50s. If this a Candid Conversation, why not disclose these were via surrogates?
You know how (work wise) you’re supposed to answer the phone with a smile? Well, she is smiling so much she’s nearly laughing. This got old real fast for me, and I kept wondering how exhausted she must be at the end of each recording day.
Ok, I get it...you work out a lot and you’re NOT fat anymore.
Bragging. Starts off telling us about a vacation with her daughters that most people could never afford. Entitled and name dropping lifestyle.
April 11, 2022
The title lured me in and I liked it better than expected. Much of the information shared by Joan Lunden can be found elsewhere. However as I age (70), I find it does not hurt to hear some of it over and over. For example, drinking more water and staying hydrated. This has always been difficult for me. There is some repetition and that is the reason for 3 stars not more.
May 16, 2020
This is a very non-candid rehash of some very basic information on aging, with a few personal stories thrown in. This book feels like it was assembled by an online researcher then Lunden added some stories to be able to put her name on it. Most of the information is simplistic and obvious--eat better, sleep more, do more muscle exercises, do memory games, etc.
What the author doesn't cover much is her own personal emotional and psychological story, including the multiple marriages, long space between children, and the ups and downs of her career. Instead we get a lot of her bragging about all that she has achieved as she has gotten older, including way too many photos. She obviously has had the money to get a lot of help to navigate family and body, and instead of being inspirational her path is not relatable.
It just ends up being another book from a celebrity that repeats the same information on how to age gracefully, and with Lunden's riches and fame she seems to think we can all breeze through it like she has.
What the author doesn't cover much is her own personal emotional and psychological story, including the multiple marriages, long space between children, and the ups and downs of her career. Instead we get a lot of her bragging about all that she has achieved as she has gotten older, including way too many photos. She obviously has had the money to get a lot of help to navigate family and body, and instead of being inspirational her path is not relatable.
It just ends up being another book from a celebrity that repeats the same information on how to age gracefully, and with Lunden's riches and fame she seems to think we can all breeze through it like she has.
August 15, 2020
There were some good ideas, but I got tired of her celebrating her successes. I hadn’t planned to read a memoir.
January 17, 2021
As part of TTN's recent 20th Anniversary celebration, I recently had the distinct pleasure of hearing Joan London speak. In her presentation and interview, she focused on women and aging, and discussed her latest book, "Why Did I Come in This Room?: A Candid Conversation about Aging." I enjoyed the presentation so much that I decided to purchase a copy of the book and give it a read.
Takeaways:
1. I especially appreciated the "candid" nature of the book. Lunden comes right out and tells it like it is. I found myself thinking, "If it happens to the likes of Joan Lunden, and she can talk about it and laugh about it, then I can too." I will never forget the story she tells of being at a red carpet event, and wearing "Spanx" under her gown. Because she could not get it down fast enough when she got into the bathroom stall, she had an accident and ended up ditching the Spanx in the feminine products bin and going "commando" to the event! Recently, I attended TTN event where we discussed "Bladder and Pelvic Floor Health." Apparently, this is a hot topic among women my age. It's so reaffirming to know that your own situation and worries are common and that there are answers.
2. There was also much here that I found timely. With COVID, many are experiencing loneliness and suffering from depression and mental health issues. In some cases these things are deadly. She says, on page 56, "When I looked into this theory of mine, I found that loneliness raises our stress hormone levels and causes inflammation associated with a wide range of health issues. It can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia. Social isolation is also thought to be on par with high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking as a risk factor for early death."
3. Though I respect Lunden as a journalist and felt that the book seemed well-researched, I would have appreciated a bibliography at least and, perhaps, some footnotes. In this way, the book is definitely more of a memoir than anything. She tells us, for instance, "Now research shows that only 30 percent of health and longevity is controlled by genetics and that 70 percent is in our hands to control." Good information, but no source is given. It should be noted that several personal photographs are included in the book, however.
4. I appreciated the humor and good nature of the book! I laughed out loud several times. It was a "light" read in this sense.
5. The writing was nothing spectacular. It got the job done.
6. As I have done a lot of reading on aging, for the most part, there was not much new here. Some highlights:
- p. 71 - "Of all the aging fears, I think forgetfulness is the most concerning issue for most of us. What is it that causes cognitive decline, and what can we do to try to avoid it? The good news is, there is a lot of research in this field and much progress is being made. The bad news is, sometimes it just happens." She suggests that Third Agers break a sweat, challenge their brains, listen to music, read more, keep their cool, nurture relationships, eat wisely, get detoxifying zzz's, be light drinkers, don't smoke, and protect our heads." (nothing new here)
For those who are just starting research into the aging process and the "Third Age," Lunden gives lots of practical advice and guidelines here for hydrating properly, bladder and pelvic floor health, sleep health, clean eating, etc. Much of what she covers here is also covered in the NOOM program that I am following (the discussions of mindfulness and alleviating stress, for example).
- p. 229 - "Know your priorities and stick to them. This might be the most important life strategy that I can recommend in order to eliminate a lot of life's stress and live more joyfully. But with that, I will also note that it can be a difficult rule to follow. First of all, we need to be honest with ourselves. What are our priorities? It might sound like a simple question, but when was the last time you asked yourself this?
- p. 241 - "Letting go means just what it says. It's an intention to stop holding on to anything, whether it be an idea, a regret, a thing, a person, an event, a view, or a desire."
- p. 243 - "'A heart filled with anger has no room for love...stop focusing on...pain...and begin to focus on the blessings in...life...by letting go of those negative emotions that...paralyze...and disempower...free to begin living life again.'"
- p. 243 - "No matter how big or small our troubles are, if we can let them go, focus on possible solutions, and imagine a joyous future, we can take the first step toward finding peace within."
- p. 260 - "...Deepak Chopra's bestselling book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. I recall reading the words, 'People don't grow old. People get old when they stop growing,' and thinking to myself, 'Well, he sure is optimistic!' Then, of course, I immediately went out and bought a copy of the book."
- p. 261 - "According to Deepak Chopra, there are three ways that we can measure our age: chronologically, biologically, and psychologically. Would it surprise you to discover...that the most unreliable of the three is chronological?"
- p. 271 - "Research shows that people with strong social networks who spend quality time with friends and family are more likely to live longer that people who are lonely. Social connections are one of the leading predictors of successful aging."
- p. 272 - "There is nothing that will accelerate decline more than isolation. What's more, loneliness seems to pose the greatest risk for elderly people who are also prone to depression."
- p. 276 - "Gratitude helps us experience positive feelings, not only about ourselves but about our world in general."
- p. 287 - "We can stay vibrant and youthful by remaining relevant and useful."
- p. 292 - "Sometimes the higher our expectations, the less we are able to appreciate what we have. If we have unrealistically high expectations, we often are disappointed in people, in jobs, or in relationships. If we can set more appropriate ones, then we are seldom disappointed."
- p. 294 - "...I don't believe that we become happy because we've become successful. I think it's the other way around. We become successful because we exude happiness and confidence. We don't become happy when we 'get' to do amazing things. We 'get' to do amazing things because we make those things happen."
- p. 297 - "Compared to pessimists, optimistic people are said to be more successful in school, at work, and in sports. They are more likely to be healthier, happier, more satisfied with relationships, less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, more resilient and in the end...they live longer."
- p. 303 - "One of the fundamental human drivers is what psychologists call 'the need to belong.' We're social animals drawn to being part of a group."
- p. 311 - “Incidentally, if you are reading this right now and saying to yourself under your breath, ‘Oh, there’s nothing important to say about my life,’ I want you to stop that right now. Everyone has a story worth telling. Frankly, that is exactly what this experience is all about. It allows us to feel satisfaction and appreciation for what we’ve done in our lives, while also providing an opportunity to recognize what we still want to do before our eulogy is ever read aloud.”
7. This is definitely a "girl power" read. I really liked that aspect of the book. Lunden tells us on p. 106, "How would you describe a strong woman? I'm guessing you wouldn't say it's someone who can bench press more than their trainer. In fact, I imagine you're more likely to say she's a someone who has the fortitude and the resilience to elegantly navigate the challenging times in her life and who shows strength in her ability to lift others up when they need help. Someone who honors her own and others' health."
Recommended for those new to the topic of "women and aging," and for those wanting to know more about Lunden. A fast, entertaining - but not particularly enlightening or unique - read.
Takeaways:
1. I especially appreciated the "candid" nature of the book. Lunden comes right out and tells it like it is. I found myself thinking, "If it happens to the likes of Joan Lunden, and she can talk about it and laugh about it, then I can too." I will never forget the story she tells of being at a red carpet event, and wearing "Spanx" under her gown. Because she could not get it down fast enough when she got into the bathroom stall, she had an accident and ended up ditching the Spanx in the feminine products bin and going "commando" to the event! Recently, I attended TTN event where we discussed "Bladder and Pelvic Floor Health." Apparently, this is a hot topic among women my age. It's so reaffirming to know that your own situation and worries are common and that there are answers.
2. There was also much here that I found timely. With COVID, many are experiencing loneliness and suffering from depression and mental health issues. In some cases these things are deadly. She says, on page 56, "When I looked into this theory of mine, I found that loneliness raises our stress hormone levels and causes inflammation associated with a wide range of health issues. It can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia. Social isolation is also thought to be on par with high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking as a risk factor for early death."
3. Though I respect Lunden as a journalist and felt that the book seemed well-researched, I would have appreciated a bibliography at least and, perhaps, some footnotes. In this way, the book is definitely more of a memoir than anything. She tells us, for instance, "Now research shows that only 30 percent of health and longevity is controlled by genetics and that 70 percent is in our hands to control." Good information, but no source is given. It should be noted that several personal photographs are included in the book, however.
4. I appreciated the humor and good nature of the book! I laughed out loud several times. It was a "light" read in this sense.
5. The writing was nothing spectacular. It got the job done.
6. As I have done a lot of reading on aging, for the most part, there was not much new here. Some highlights:
- p. 71 - "Of all the aging fears, I think forgetfulness is the most concerning issue for most of us. What is it that causes cognitive decline, and what can we do to try to avoid it? The good news is, there is a lot of research in this field and much progress is being made. The bad news is, sometimes it just happens." She suggests that Third Agers break a sweat, challenge their brains, listen to music, read more, keep their cool, nurture relationships, eat wisely, get detoxifying zzz's, be light drinkers, don't smoke, and protect our heads." (nothing new here)
For those who are just starting research into the aging process and the "Third Age," Lunden gives lots of practical advice and guidelines here for hydrating properly, bladder and pelvic floor health, sleep health, clean eating, etc. Much of what she covers here is also covered in the NOOM program that I am following (the discussions of mindfulness and alleviating stress, for example).
- p. 229 - "Know your priorities and stick to them. This might be the most important life strategy that I can recommend in order to eliminate a lot of life's stress and live more joyfully. But with that, I will also note that it can be a difficult rule to follow. First of all, we need to be honest with ourselves. What are our priorities? It might sound like a simple question, but when was the last time you asked yourself this?
- p. 241 - "Letting go means just what it says. It's an intention to stop holding on to anything, whether it be an idea, a regret, a thing, a person, an event, a view, or a desire."
- p. 243 - "'A heart filled with anger has no room for love...stop focusing on...pain...and begin to focus on the blessings in...life...by letting go of those negative emotions that...paralyze...and disempower...free to begin living life again.'"
- p. 243 - "No matter how big or small our troubles are, if we can let them go, focus on possible solutions, and imagine a joyous future, we can take the first step toward finding peace within."
- p. 260 - "...Deepak Chopra's bestselling book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. I recall reading the words, 'People don't grow old. People get old when they stop growing,' and thinking to myself, 'Well, he sure is optimistic!' Then, of course, I immediately went out and bought a copy of the book."
- p. 261 - "According to Deepak Chopra, there are three ways that we can measure our age: chronologically, biologically, and psychologically. Would it surprise you to discover...that the most unreliable of the three is chronological?"
- p. 271 - "Research shows that people with strong social networks who spend quality time with friends and family are more likely to live longer that people who are lonely. Social connections are one of the leading predictors of successful aging."
- p. 272 - "There is nothing that will accelerate decline more than isolation. What's more, loneliness seems to pose the greatest risk for elderly people who are also prone to depression."
- p. 276 - "Gratitude helps us experience positive feelings, not only about ourselves but about our world in general."
- p. 287 - "We can stay vibrant and youthful by remaining relevant and useful."
- p. 292 - "Sometimes the higher our expectations, the less we are able to appreciate what we have. If we have unrealistically high expectations, we often are disappointed in people, in jobs, or in relationships. If we can set more appropriate ones, then we are seldom disappointed."
- p. 294 - "...I don't believe that we become happy because we've become successful. I think it's the other way around. We become successful because we exude happiness and confidence. We don't become happy when we 'get' to do amazing things. We 'get' to do amazing things because we make those things happen."
- p. 297 - "Compared to pessimists, optimistic people are said to be more successful in school, at work, and in sports. They are more likely to be healthier, happier, more satisfied with relationships, less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, more resilient and in the end...they live longer."
- p. 303 - "One of the fundamental human drivers is what psychologists call 'the need to belong.' We're social animals drawn to being part of a group."
- p. 311 - “Incidentally, if you are reading this right now and saying to yourself under your breath, ‘Oh, there’s nothing important to say about my life,’ I want you to stop that right now. Everyone has a story worth telling. Frankly, that is exactly what this experience is all about. It allows us to feel satisfaction and appreciation for what we’ve done in our lives, while also providing an opportunity to recognize what we still want to do before our eulogy is ever read aloud.”
7. This is definitely a "girl power" read. I really liked that aspect of the book. Lunden tells us on p. 106, "How would you describe a strong woman? I'm guessing you wouldn't say it's someone who can bench press more than their trainer. In fact, I imagine you're more likely to say she's a someone who has the fortitude and the resilience to elegantly navigate the challenging times in her life and who shows strength in her ability to lift others up when they need help. Someone who honors her own and others' health."
Recommended for those new to the topic of "women and aging," and for those wanting to know more about Lunden. A fast, entertaining - but not particularly enlightening or unique - read.
November 17, 2024
A fun, enjoyable read. I appreciate her approach to life and determination to choose joy even through difficult times, while also allowing the process of working through feelings. There are some great practical tips for everything from health to choosing gratitude to writing your own obituary. Loved her positive outlook.
December 18, 2024
4.4* A lighthearted supportive aid, by a beloved TV broadcast journalist, as she deals with the joys - and challenges - of growing older; and all that it entails for "women of a certain age". It's so comforting to know we're not alone as we navigate life's seasons. And, to have the struggles shared in such a fun, supportive read, makes it just a little bit easier. Thanks, Joan.
April 8, 2020
There is a lot of information in this book and it seems the subject of aging is well researched. It took me a long time to read it and I found there was a lot of repetition. I enjoyed her stories of her family and career. I found the stories of her Mom fun to read even her eulogy, as strange as that might sound. The information on how we should treat our medical responsibilities was somewhat or very much like a medical appointment. A lot of it read like a life of the "rich and famous" which she is of course.
May 19, 2020
I liked it, but really it is much more for women than men. I found the book to be a very well presented take on a lot of things that come with getting up there in years. Many of the subjects you might have heard before but a little review presented in a lighthearted way never hurts. Some of the writing is very personal to Ms. Lunden and I appreciated her sharing these stories and insights. Her outlook and way of looking at life are a model for all. If you are of a “certain age,” I think this is worth a read.
May 22, 2020
While there is not necessarily anything earth shattering or new, but I could identify with a lot of the aging consequences. there is practical advice/reminders (interval training, drinking 6-8 glasses of water, never too late to be the person you want to be), and it is laid out in an entertaining and humorous way. She also lays out details for Capturing Your Family Story, a happiness plan (with questions to assist in formulating the plan). I liked many of the quotations she listed, and I felt lighter when I finished.
February 15, 2021
I have like Joan Lunden since I was a little girl and she was still on TV regularly. However, this book fell a little flat for me. It was like she took a widely-known or widely-accepted advice on aging and re-stated it, in her own voice. There were many situations that Joan was in where she knew exactly what she should be doing, but she didn't want to. And she was blaming that on age. I have found that to be the exact opposite. If you are truly aging and gaining life experience, you shouldn't balk at getting physicals or lab work done when you know it's what you should be doing.
I do think that she gave a nice picture of aging gracefully so I did appreciate that in her writing.
I do think that she gave a nice picture of aging gracefully so I did appreciate that in her writing.
October 3, 2021
I was disappointed in this book. It came across as very preachy. She also covered some subjects til you wanted to throw the book against the wall and others she barely touched on. I felt tremendous guilt reading this book as though I should just give up because I could never do what she has done. I certainly don't have the luxury of the experts that have walked her through older age. There is some really good info in this book but it should be read in sections and not as a whole.
July 7, 2021
I have always loved Joan Linden. I loved watching good morning America with her and Charlie. Anyways being about her age I find we are both challenging our age of what we can do ....or not do. She had a lot of great stories if we anticipate being useless we will certainly trigger the physical,mental and emotional changes that renders that way. Make today so awesome that yesterday gets jealous. ~unknown~
Joan shared a lot of fun quotes
Joan shared a lot of fun quotes
July 2, 2021
Hilariously written but accurate account of the journey of aging
January 6, 2021
You have heard Joan’s advice in other books, but what you gain here are her personal stories. I had no idea what a large family she had, including two sets of twins. I love that she embraces family and has taken words of wisdom from her elders. I also enjoyed the story about witnessing the sunrise over the Sahara Desert and trying to mount a camel.
Among some of the newer pieces of advice were to eat your water (i.e. fruits and veggies with high water content such as watermelon, celery, oranges, etc.), write your obituary, always have plans (something to look forward to), and my favorite, it’s never too late to be the person you want to be.
Among some of the newer pieces of advice were to eat your water (i.e. fruits and veggies with high water content such as watermelon, celery, oranges, etc.), write your obituary, always have plans (something to look forward to), and my favorite, it’s never too late to be the person you want to be.
June 24, 2021
One of the things Joan Lunden suggests to her readers is that they write their own obituaries and eulogies in order to better see what changes they might want to make in their lives. Mine would include this:
She had a shameful weakness for picking up non-fiction books that were written by celebrities and New York columnists, and always hated herself after reading them, confirming, yet again, that they had no secret insights and weren't worth her time.
The topic of Lunden's book appeals to women (c'mon - what man is reading this?) of a certain age. Problem is, being of a certain age means we've all had life experiences and have matured sufficiently enough to not need any of this advice. We've read it all a hundred times before.
Eat well
Exercise - both mind and body
Be Grateful
Accentuate the Positive
Nurture relationships
blah, blah, blah...
Add lots of "ughs!" and "LOL"s, and exclamation points galore to the text, and it gets tedious pretty quickly (though the reviewers will say it's like chatting with a girlfriend - ugh. I hope not, LOL!). And if that informal tone wasn't enough, there are personal anecdotes (and some name-dropping) along with FIFTY-TWO (count 'em! FIFTY-TWO) photos of Lunden mugging for the camera, alone and with other "strong women" (God help us), making this little more than a vanity project.
Another banal "tip" is to forgive yourself. I will do my best to forgive myself for falling into the trap of reading books of this type, and I'll try avoid doing so in the future. I really don't want time wasted in my eulogy talking about bad book choices.
She had a shameful weakness for picking up non-fiction books that were written by celebrities and New York columnists, and always hated herself after reading them, confirming, yet again, that they had no secret insights and weren't worth her time.
The topic of Lunden's book appeals to women (c'mon - what man is reading this?) of a certain age. Problem is, being of a certain age means we've all had life experiences and have matured sufficiently enough to not need any of this advice. We've read it all a hundred times before.
Eat well
Exercise - both mind and body
Be Grateful
Accentuate the Positive
Nurture relationships
blah, blah, blah...
Add lots of "ughs!" and "LOL"s, and exclamation points galore to the text, and it gets tedious pretty quickly (though the reviewers will say it's like chatting with a girlfriend - ugh. I hope not, LOL!). And if that informal tone wasn't enough, there are personal anecdotes (and some name-dropping) along with FIFTY-TWO (count 'em! FIFTY-TWO) photos of Lunden mugging for the camera, alone and with other "strong women" (God help us), making this little more than a vanity project.
Another banal "tip" is to forgive yourself. I will do my best to forgive myself for falling into the trap of reading books of this type, and I'll try avoid doing so in the future. I really don't want time wasted in my eulogy talking about bad book choices.
November 13, 2020
Long-time Good Morning America host Joan Lunden has written this new book in 2020 to address the challenges of aging. To be clear, this is a book written by a woman, and designed to be read by women. Still, many of the challenges and insights of aging of which she writes can very much apply to gentlemen as well. Of course, the early sections which deal with gender specific challenges such as menopause are a little harder for men to understand, no matter our age!! But content beyond this section is more or less universal.
Lunden takes us through material that isn't really all that new. To handle the challenges of aging one must be diligent about issues of diet, exercise, deal with stress and keeping a positive attitude. She also tackled the reality of age discrimination and bias. Nothing that we don't already know. But Lunden painstakingly goes through the layers of each of this subjects, and consistently backs up her comments with scientific and academic studies which validate that of which she writes. Sometimes it felt as if the book was a chain of one study after another; hence, my slightly lower overall rating. But the information conveyed is all good stuff.
Much as when she was on TV every morning, Lunden is filled with optimism and humor. She shares lots of personal stories about her own challenges with aging, as well as her own experiences in overcoming those challenges. I think older readers will connect with her in many ways. I know I am not getting any younger - none of us are. So her insights and guidance are a welcome resource....even for men who will never fully understand the realities of menopause. :)
Lunden takes us through material that isn't really all that new. To handle the challenges of aging one must be diligent about issues of diet, exercise, deal with stress and keeping a positive attitude. She also tackled the reality of age discrimination and bias. Nothing that we don't already know. But Lunden painstakingly goes through the layers of each of this subjects, and consistently backs up her comments with scientific and academic studies which validate that of which she writes. Sometimes it felt as if the book was a chain of one study after another; hence, my slightly lower overall rating. But the information conveyed is all good stuff.
Much as when she was on TV every morning, Lunden is filled with optimism and humor. She shares lots of personal stories about her own challenges with aging, as well as her own experiences in overcoming those challenges. I think older readers will connect with her in many ways. I know I am not getting any younger - none of us are. So her insights and guidance are a welcome resource....even for men who will never fully understand the realities of menopause. :)
November 29, 2021
This book taught me one thing -
Boomers really are clueless.
There was nothing candid about this book. It was a bunch of obvious things about “getting old”. It was more of a weight loss book and a giant flex about how much money she has than anything else. Yeah yeah you lost weight. You went on expensive vacations many people will not be able to handle.
Also, did she give birth to two sets of twins in her 50s? Did she adopt? Did she use a surrogate? Not that it matters but these are also incredibly privileged options that cost a lot of money!
This book is not going to age well - even though apparently the author (someone that’s apparently famous but I’ve never heard of - and I’m 30) definitely did age very well according to this book.
I just didn’t like it. I’m clearly not the target audience.
Boomers really are clueless.
There was nothing candid about this book. It was a bunch of obvious things about “getting old”. It was more of a weight loss book and a giant flex about how much money she has than anything else. Yeah yeah you lost weight. You went on expensive vacations many people will not be able to handle.
Also, did she give birth to two sets of twins in her 50s? Did she adopt? Did she use a surrogate? Not that it matters but these are also incredibly privileged options that cost a lot of money!
This book is not going to age well - even though apparently the author (someone that’s apparently famous but I’ve never heard of - and I’m 30) definitely did age very well according to this book.
I just didn’t like it. I’m clearly not the target audience.
April 18, 2021
Being of a certain age, I enjoyed Joan Lunden's take on aging. I took my time reading it and enjoying her comments about life, love, age, family, and career. She had some useful tips such as writing your own obituary, which I have had to do twice in college in different classes. She also suggested in order to drink enough water, to put plastic bracelets on one arm and transfer a bracelet to the other wrist until all the bracelets have been moved. If she lived closer to Cleveland, I like to think we could be friends.
November 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! While learning about aging is harrowing, being armed with information is power! There may not have been many new revelations, but reading about the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, staying off the nicotine and booze, drinking lots of water, getting good sleep, and keeping friends and family close, all made me feel empowered to live my best life as I get older. Joan Lunden is down to earth, funny, and willing to be vulnerable and tell her own painful or embarrassing stories, which was greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joan!
April 27, 2020
The book is ok but I found myself skimming a lot. She includes a lot of interesting and relevant information - but there's too much "me" talk for my taste, even though I appreciate that she's experienced all that she's talking about.
The best part - advice on how to put together a "booklet" about your life, that your kids and grandchildren can read and remember you with. We'll be doing that asap.
The best part - advice on how to put together a "booklet" about your life, that your kids and grandchildren can read and remember you with. We'll be doing that asap.
May 6, 2020
I am not sure why I did not like this book. I felt like Joan was just making a lot of list telling women what they should do when they turn 65. She also never alluded to having help with her 7 children. Then we find out that her last 4 children who she had when she was 54 and 56 were by surrogate. They were identical twins. She did have a lot of uplifting quotes and I enjoyed them. But not much of a story or anything really interesting in my opinion.
June 19, 2020
I listened to this book while I worked in the yard one day. I liked it so much I ordered a hard copy. I would like to have had more solutions to common problems and some of the options offered are only afforded to those who are wealthy enough to afford. Mainly I ordered the book because I r e ally enjoyed the quotes. I think I actually liked listening to the book better than reading it as you can hear the excitement, sarcasm or humor intended in Joan's voice
August 4, 2020
When I heard this book was coming out, I knew I would have to listen to it! I'm of an age that I remember the GMA and Joan lunden / Charlie Gibson era well! I was pregnant and had babies near when Joan was and did. I nursed my babies while watching GMA every morning. Joan is a few years older than I am but nonetheless, much of what she says in this book resonated with me. It was interesting, educational, inspirational, & many times hysterical 😂
May 26, 2021
Joan Lunden has written a most amazing book for all women. It covers many health areas such as stress, illness, exercise, and fluids. Ms. Lunden is a cancel survivor. Having a health scare led her to learn about her body, how to stay healthy, and areas that help to maintain good health. I read this book and then read it again. It is packed with information in an easy to read style. Thank you, Joan, and stay well!
September 10, 2021
Not one to watch Good Morning America, I lacked a connection with this author and motivational speaker. My aunt gave me the book to read.
Very readable, often humorous Joan Lunden takes a comprehensive look at aging and how it affects the female of our species.
The book is jam-packed with excellent quotes.
However, what stays with me is that this woman with three grown daughters, then had twins at age 52. And another set of twins 20 months later. Now, that is remarkable.
Very readable, often humorous Joan Lunden takes a comprehensive look at aging and how it affects the female of our species.
The book is jam-packed with excellent quotes.
However, what stays with me is that this woman with three grown daughters, then had twins at age 52. And another set of twins 20 months later. Now, that is remarkable.
June 23, 2023
It was author Joan Lunden and I couldn’t believe I was reading this, but the title resonated with me. I am on Page 97 and unlikely to finish it. It’s fairly silly and lots of humble and no-so-humble brags. She has a healthy ego. The book is less about aging and more about Joan and her coy style of writing. This reads more like a memoir than an authoritative book with any real knowledge in it. It’s a book about Joan rather than aging. Very saccharine.
July 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. To read that other women experience many of the same aging issues that I am dealing with was both reassuring and enlightening. I also found Lunden's book very motivational in several ways: I finally feel like I can commit to improving my fitness and pursuing new projects, since she has clearly been able to do that as she has aged. Thanks for the encouragement, Joan!
August 9, 2020
I couldn't finish this. I might have liked it better if I had been a fan of Joan Lunden when she was on TV. There were some interesting points in the book. It did get repetitive though. No matter the issue, the advice seemed to be to eat right, exercise, have friends, etc. I found Joan hard to relate to given her financial resources, her status, and having four more children in her 50's.
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