The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How To Die Young as Late in Life as Possible

by Jason Elias

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging synthesizes and simplifies the components of conscious aging into a primer for individuals who are concerned about their own aging process and for those caring for the elderly who seek an enlightened understanding of how all of us may approach aging more consciously and, gracefully. In short, these Seven Graces can serve as stepping-stones toward attaining emotional or spiritual wholeness as we age.

Elderhood can be a time of reckoning, a time to look inside, to wonder where we have been, and where we are not going.The message of The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging is less about how to live a long life, and more about supporting vitality, being present, finding meaning and purpose, and sustaining a youthful heart-well into old age.

To shed light on this reckoning, I have interviewed and highlight the stories of a dozen individuals in their late seventies, eighties, and nineties, and one over one hundred. They are mentors, clients, and close friends. Each of these remarkable individuals, in his or her way, has refused to accept the timeworn script that equates old age with decrepitude. Instead, they have chosen to rewrite the script and embrace old age with dignity and grace. Listening carefully to their stories and insights inspired me and quieted my own fears about aging. They have become my Pathfinders, modern-day sages, who share their wisdom and experiences throughout this book.

In essence, as our Pathfinders show us, aging need not dictate dismal decline. When we debunk the negative preconceived notions of aging, we can even reverse the aging process. The studies cited in this book, along with the Pathfinders' collective, lived experience and my 50 years in the healing arts, offer solid guidelines, practical resources, and inspiration for those who want to learn how to follow Dr. Ashley Montagu's advice and die young as late in life as possible.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging include:

Rewriting the Script: reframing what it means to grow old;

Finding Your Tribe: honoring the importance of good relationships;

Practicing Mindfulness: learning techniques that enable us to live in the moment (the eternal NOW);

Awakening Joy through Simplicity and Humor: living a simple, appreciative, and accepting life;

Pursuing Your Passion: clarifying a long-dreamed vision or unrealized idea and practicing it;

Moving and Being Moved: exercising sensibly on a regular basis to prevent stagnation and enhance mental, emotional and physical vigor, acuity, and creativity;

Nurturing Your Body, the Temple of the Divine: giving your body the essentials it needs to thrive (clean air, nourishing food, pure drinking water, and loving relationships).

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2021

Reviews

[C.E. Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young as Late in Life as Possible by Jason Elias tackles the topic of what it means to grow old gracefully. Contrary to popular belief, this concept does not necessitate that we ride off into the sunset, our usefulness at an end, as we approach the golden years. Instead, the author demonstrates through examples how aging is best done through continued service to the community, ourselves, and the world at large.

The author, a thriving senior himself, highlights the life stories of 12 elders who embody what he describes as successful aging. These “pathfinders,” as he calls them, demonstrate how certain regular practices, both physical and mental, keep their bodies and minds functioning optimally even at extremely advanced ages. Interspersed among the commentary and life stories is information about scientific studies that support these practices.

Each of us has a unique journey through life, so what resonated with me might not be what you need to hear. Even so, the content of this book is vital for every age group.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

One of the first things that I noticed about this book that readers are going to love is that this is the kind of book that becomes interactive with time. The author does an incredible job of building a book that causes readers to make notes, earmark pages, and keep tabs to come back time and time again as certain pieces of advice or steps the author has outlined become relevant to the reader’s life. The thorough and thoughtful way the author presented these chapters was well balanced with the personable and warmth of both the author’s words and the interviewees who participated to share their wisdom and views on life as we get older.

I absolutely loved the duality of this book’s audience, as it not only speaks to older generations about how to not give in to any given narrative on how they are supposed to live their lives in their “golden years”, but also speaks to younger generations on how to live life to the fullest at all times, to find the people or community that will allow us to be our best selves, and to stop focusing on “perfection” as an ideal and instead learn to love ourselves and those around us as they are. The way the author is able to give tribute and honor to each interviewee and share these stories while accomplishing the goal of laying out these 7 goals makes this such a memorable read.

The Verdict

Honest, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jason Elias’s “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible” is a must-read book. The personal and memorable way the author was able to blend the stories of these incredible people with the lifelong lessons that readers can turn to time and again made for an absolute heartfelt read.

[Yehudit Reishtein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle :How to Die Young as Late in Life as Possible" is an accurate description of the book. Based on interviews with people who are vibrant and active at advanced ages (most of them over 75 years old). Ellias found seven traits or practices that enable them to continue to live to the fullest extent.

The traits include (in my words, not his) staying socially active, by finding people with whom one develops a sense of community and mutual support; developing an interest in something you can be passionate about; taking care of your health without being obsessive about it; adjusting to and handling the presence of pain (which, as so many people have pointed out is prevalent in our elder years, but which can be managed with yoga, massage, meditation, Feldenkrais, exercise, physical therapy, and many other modalities).

The book is written with a light touch, and is an easy read. Highly recommended for those approaching their senior years, as well as those who are 70.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elias addresses the top of growing old gracefully. Rather than giving up he encourages the reader to rise to the challenges aging presents and continue to engage in growth with ourselves, the community and the world until our last breath. He utilizes stories from elders he has watched embrace this season of life and extract seven strategies to focus on as you move toward the end. A easy and accessible book that can be helpful to those who are struggling with aging and what that means to us when more of our life has passed than is ahead of us.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven't read much on aging with grace and wisdom, then this book could be helpful. I found it to be a compilation of information and insights I've already encountered in other books or articles. Fun read, but not useful.

[Valeria Koopman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We will all leave our bodies one day. What if we could embrace our waning physique and see the beauty behind the façade?”

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging is a book of timeless wisdom. An inspiring invitation to reflect and redefine what it means to grow older. Jason’s work is personal, warm, compassionate, and practical. Through his experiences and healing practices, Jason shows us a path to true living.

Jason is one of the wisest, kindest and beautiful human beings I know.

This is a Must-Read book for anyone who carries the sincere desire to live well and gracefully.

It was a wonderful experience to have had a conversation with Jason Elias during a podcast interview! His presence, wisdom, and clarity reflected his commitment to changing lives!

[Susan Meador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great lessons and insights in Jason’s books. This one helped facilitate an already deeper dive into that sacral, soul hollowed out space where I can tap into the curiosity and observation of each thought, each moment.