Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit

by Rachel Cowan, Linda Thal (Contributor), Marie Hoffman (Narrator)

In 'WISE AGING', Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal give us the tools we need to navigate the challenges of aging as we find joy and meaning in our lives. With the same warmth, humor, and wisdom that draws thousands to their innovative workshops on aging, they deliver practical, real world suggestions: journaling exercises, meditations, and activities that dig deep and lead us to better understanding of how to age well.




RUNNING TIME ⇒ 11hrs. and 12mins.

©2015 The Institute for Jewish Spirituality (P)2020 Tantor

Genres: Nonfiction, Judaism, Jewish

Audible Audio

First published March 27, 2015

About the author

Rabbi Rachel Cowan

Reviews

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Rae Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own copy. Patty knew the author.

[Anthony Messina · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Melissa Crespy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.