Honest Aging: An Insider's Guide to the Second Half of Life

by Rosanne M. Leipzig

Your indispensable guide to taking charge of the second half of your life.

From Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig, a top doctor with more than 35 years of experience caring for older people, Honest Aging is an indispensable guide to the second half of life, describing what to expect physically, psychologically, functionally, and emotionally as you age.

Leipzig, an expert in evidence-based geriatrics, highlights how 80-year-olds differ from 60-year-olds and why knowing this is important for your health. With candor, humor, and empathy, this book will provide you with the knowledge and practical advice to optimize aging. The book

• helps you recognize age-related changes in your body and mind and understand what's typical with aging and what's not;
• offers guidance for common health concerns, including problems with memory, energy, mood, sleep, incontinence, mobility and falls, hearing and vision, aches and pains, gastrointestinal problems, weight, and sex;
• shares advice on how to make decisions about health care, driving, and where to live;
• includes helpful checklists and lists of medications to prepare for doctor and hospital visits;
• recommends the best technology options, such as mobility devices, emergency device systems, and more;
• counters common myths about aging; and
• offers resources for additional information, self-help, and support.

Enriched by illustrations, patient stories, and deep dives into science and the latest research, Honest Aging gives you the tools to take control of your health and well-being as you age.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Audiobook

424 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[Nisha and Amit Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a geriatrician specializing in the care of older patients, and Dr. Leipzig has been a leader in our field and teacher of many geriatricians over the years. It is no surprise that this book for patients written by her is outstanding and I will be recommending it my patients and loved ones.

There are many patients who think things happening to them as they age are normal aging instead of problems that can be treated. There are also many "snake oil" salespeople trying to sell antiaging products and prey upon people's fears about aging and push untested or questionable treatments, some of them harmful. This book helps you understand what is normal aging and what is not and what the evidence says you can do about it. One of the most useful part is the last part that has checklists and discussion guides for your visit with your doctor for the various conditions discussed. Patients who complete this prior to seeing their doctors will be more able to get the most out of their visits and advocate for themselves, especially when a clinician might mistakenly tell a patient a symptom is just due to aging and not investigate further or make recommendations.

Chapters in this book each cover various aspects of aging-- what is normal, what is not, and what might be "red flag" symptoms that should result in a doctor's office visit. There are deeper dives for those interested and lots of practical tips, Q&As, helpful tables. What I love most about the book is it's no-nonsense, well-researched approach and solid advice to the older person about what you can do about many conditions that increase in frequency as one ages. Each chapter ends with a "bottom line" advice. My review "bottom line"-- great book-- if you're younger to think about how to age with optimal health and if you are older what you can do to optimize health and the changes you experience!

[Don Gillette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, if you've paid any attention at all to your health, diet, exercise, etc. advice after you hit 60, there's nothing new here. I expected some miracle revelations I didn't already know about, but it's pretty much common sense stuff.

[Gail Clayworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be more accurately subtitled "An Insider's Guide to the Fourth Quarter of Life." If you are 65 or older, I would recommend checking this book out from the library to see if it's one you will want to buy and keep on hand for future reference, especially since there's a shortage of geriatricians and most of us have to make do with a primary care physician and the specialists they refer us to. I didn't get too far into it before I put the library book down and ordered my own copy. Part II, What Really Matters as You Grow Older, is especially helpful. I remember trying to referee a turf war between my father's urologist and cardiologist. Every medical decision and prescription comes with a trade-off, and the bottom line is that we have to decide for ourselves what trade-offs we're willing to make. This book is giving me the information I need to help me make some of those decisions for myself. Those decisions will no doubt have to be revisited in the future and there will always be new ones to make.

[D.M. Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answered most of my "is this normal aging or something else?" questions. Filled with excellent graphics of anatomy, the author clearly explained the various systems of the human body and how they are affected by aging. Also contains a wealth of information regarding side effects of most medications. Handy to have all this information in one easily accessible volume. Definitely recommend for those of us in the upper decades of life - or for younger caregivers of the same.

[Illiterate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good on the specific biology and so health issues of the elderly.

[Sid Groeneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Honest Aging" is both a reference manual to be consulted as needed and a book you can read from cover to cover. I did the latter, skipping or skimming some of the semi-technical explanations and bibliographical material. It is divided into twenty relatively brief chapters covering most of the medical and psychological topics of interest to seniors, such as cognitive decline, vision and hearing loss, nutrition, weight issues, digestion and elimination, sex, and others; also "difficult decisions" like when to move from your home, when to stop driving, and legal matters (living wills, health care power of attorney, etc.). The target age range for the book is not clearly defined, but the author differentiates between younger and older elderly, where appropriate. Rosanne Leipzig is an MD and PhD with extensive experience in gerontology as a practitioner and administrator at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.

The book is comprehensive, practical, and undogmatic. Each chapter contains subsections addressing advice for loved ones and care-givers, short "bottom line" summaries, and lists of prescription drugs that can adversely affect users' health related to the topic being discussed. Regular explanations of what is part of normal aging and what is not constitute a special strength of the book. Another is the use of "red alerts" and "yellow alerts," advising when it is urgent to seek medical attention.

"Honest Aging" is a useful overview for non medical professionals who want a detailed understanding of how to live healthier and minimize common and some not so common problems that occur in the second half of life.

[Amy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Leipzig's book was a well written book from an authority on the topic to the lay people. This book on aging has given me a lot of insight into what I can do to help myself age a little slower or perhaps even more gently. I enjoyed the narrator for the book as there is no way I think I could have pronounced several of words. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend to friends. I'll be placing this book on my shelf as it is not a read only once type of book as I don't think I cleaned all the information that was in there. Definitely recommend.

[Mark Zodda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for all kinds of information about aging. It is depressing to read and should really be used as a reference for specific concerns. Bottom line, despite how she tries to frame it, is that aging is a bummer. Now where's that fountain of youth? Recommended.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book to keep on hand.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After checking it out from the library twice, I bought a copy to have as a reference. I rely on library books and audiobooks from Hoopla and Libby as much as possible for both budget and bookshelf space reasons. But "Part II: What Really Matters As You Grow Older" convinced me that I'll check this one often enough that I need a copy nearby on a shelf, despite my frequent use of Gemini, Google's AI.

Early on, she quotes a saying among gerontologists: "If you've seen one 80-year-old, you've seen one 80-year-old." That was more the approach I was looking for than the Mayo Clinic's implication in their book's subtitle: "An Easy and Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Body Young...." Piffle. I'm already there, so I know the reality and limits. My goal is to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, even though my body and abilities are now steadily declining.

Honest Aging is more honest and more specific and useful than the similar Mayo Clinic book, which I suspect is from their marketing or patient education dept. This is by a gerontologist and educator who is older herself. She uses too many cliches for me, but she's a doctor, not a writer. What's more important is that she writes clearly and her expertise and real-world experience are evident. She doesn't sugar-coat things nor scare readers, but she explains what to expect, when to worry and not, and what's likely to lead to what else and how you might at least forestall that.

I read a lot about many facets of health, and I disagree emphatically with reviews that say they already knew it all and didn't learn much from this book. At the least, they must merely have skimmed. This book seems to be for people over 65, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear, thorough, and encouraging guide to aging by a doctor. Opening chapters address "practices for a happier old age, regardless of your current age," what's normal, general health practices, and talking with doctors. In the middle section each of the specific chapters on various body parts includes introductions to the part, often a "deeper dig," recommendations for prevention and screening, medication charts of side effects, occasionally "red flags" and "yellow alerts," advice for loved ones, bottom line, resources, and bibliography. Part 3 deals with difficult decisions: to move or not (with chart to help in decision-making), driving or stopping, and who will make health care decisions when you can't. Appendices deal with personal emergency response systems, assistive devices (including the right height for a cane and types of walkers), and 24 pages of questions/situations to think about asking your doctor if things aren't going right. Leipzig appropriate shares some of her own experiences with aging along with patient stories, poses good questions, and talks through steps to process. Though I originally borrowed a copy from the library, I bought my own copy to have as I travel through this next half.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some context: I’m a retired nurse practitioner whose focus was adult medicine and geriatrics. I’m read a lot about aging, geriatric syndromes, etc. And now I’m also old. And still, this book takes aging to another level.

If you are over 60, a caregiver of someone who is, or are just trying to grapple with what it means to grow older, then this book is for you. I think everyone over 60 should own a copy.

This doctor’s ability to answer questions about aging and health, her wonderful checklists, her focus on delineating what is normal and what isn’t, as well as her willingness to not sugarcoat the realities of physiological aging are remarkable. She addresses each body system separately and when there are connections between them, she provides links back to other chapters.

I was reading a library Kindle copy but wanted to be able to copy some of her logs and lists so bought a paperback. I may still get the e-copy because it is easy to search and follow links that way. Regardless, it’s a reference to have, especially if you have a specific concern and aren’t sure when/if/who to consult further.

Huge fan. Highly recommend.

[Walt4833 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this book almost more as a reference text than something you would pick up for casual reading. It has separate chapters that take you through all parts of the body. After a brief introduction of the chapter’s subject, there are sections entitled “What’s Normal with Aging?,” “Adapting to Your New Normal,” “What Isn’t Normal Aging?,” “Getting Evaluated ...,” “Advice for Loved Ones,” and “Bottom Line,” plus a list of resources and a bibliography. It's very comprehensive and informative. I learned a tremendous amount about how my older body has changed, how my symptoms may differ from those of younger people, and how elderly reactions to medications is both less understood by doctors and differs significantly than those who are younger. It also offers advice on how to talk to my doctor about whether he/she is taking these differences into consideration.

I can't speak highly enough of the differing perspective this gerontologist gives you about older adults and their health and healthcare.

[Bette Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and based on a wellspring of experience and research, this outstanding book has a conversational tone. Dr. Leipzig "speaks" to me, confirming that I am indeed different at age 82 than I was at 60 - and the ways I am different. She highlights the importance of being forthright and clear with my doctors as to my health goals, symptoms, concerns, worries. She raises many important topics in the form of questions and infuses humor even in serious discussions. I found the index particularly valuable, with its wide range of health topics as well as specific medications, charts, and illustrations. I am recommending this book to friends both younger and older, and to family. It's a wonderful reference and guide!

[H Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive manual for aging! As a recently retired Health Educator, I’m thrilled to read such a book. Most people will know a lot of the information provided but I’m sure all readers will find new details about their bodies they never knew.

I particularly appreciate that the author is thoughtful & sensitive about issues that may be difficult to face. I don’t like to consider questions such as “when should I stop driving” or “can I continue to live on my own.” As I age, I’m very surprised to learn there has been little education in my life regarding some of these difficult questions.

Extensive resource & bibliography lists are provided for further information. Excellent!

[Vivian Witkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the title makes you uncomfortable, you may be ready to read Honest Aging. This is not a breezy, easy self-help book, but a clear overview of how to cope function by function, from mind to gut, as you head into old age. What is normal? What isn’t? Unfortunately, there’s way too much “normal,” but with knowledge comes the power of adaptation. Leipzig backs up the prose with anatomical diagrams, making it easier to understand my frigging rotator cuff, for example. Aging bodies process medications differently, and she details the impact by function. I rummaged through my OTC meds and threw out a couple that aren’t for me anymore. 5/16/24

[Jacqueline Masumian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite valuable. As I age, I don’t want any surprises. I want the know what lies ahead as well as how to keep myself as healthy as possible. This book was just what I needed. The author lays out the various ailments that are normal with age and those that are not. She goes into a lot of detail regarding medications and how they can affect an older person. And she offers advice to caretakers about what to expect as their loved ones age and how to manage situations that arise.

All in all a straightforward book on aging that I’m glad I own.

[WiseB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was written by a geriatrician, which I believe has a better perspective on health issues relating to aging than a GP. This is a must read for those approaching or over 60. One can learn all the potential health matters facing seniors to start with, read about the common Q&As on each topic and the effects of various medications that may happen. It is even better to have an eBook copy around so that one can search the content for advice when facing relevant issues.

[Joan Fung-Tomc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Aging is a must-have reference book. It’s chuck full of information and very readable and full of helpful advice. Each chapter focuses on a health challenge of the elderly (and whether it's normal to the aging process). It contains sections with anatomy/ physiological description, red flags, medications that can affect the syndrome, and written as responses to patient questions of the syndrome.

[Laura Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very up to date and very well done. It is easy to understand as it shares a vast amount of information. It addresses a multitude of mental and physical health concerns. Each segment has details about relevant topics, advice for loved ones, checklists, resources and bibliographies. Chapters include informational summaries as well as common questions and well thought out responses. I would strongly recommend this book for any older adult or those who love them or work with them.

[Gail Leondar-wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had expected this book to be full of great and useful information, which it is. I had not expected it to be such a fun and engaging read. So clearly written and user friendly, compassionate and warm.

[Irwin Kroot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in clear, plain language, this comprehensive overview to everything we need to know about aging is invaluable. I found useful information on questions that I didn't even know to ask. Really a must-have handbook for all of us who are aging - and for those who care for aging people.

[Judith Plaskow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is chock full of useful, important information conveyed with clarity and humor. It's an essential resource both for people who are aging and those dealing with aging friends and family members. It's a good read and also a valuable reference work.

[Ravi Ramaswamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a couple of these for my neighbors and family members, and every one of them found it informative and helpful. It breaks myths about aging and supports the process of aging. The language is easy to read and there are many references if you want to read in more detail. highly recommend!!

[R Fogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a geriatric physician I deal with many questions about aging with my older adults. This is a wonderful down to earth guide. It is extremely well written by someone who shares the experience she has gained in multiple years of practice

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Leipzig is a leading voice in the care of older adults - as a geriatrician, I'm thrilled she's written such a helpful book to share her incredible expertise that can guide all of us and our loved ones as we age! Highly recommended!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful book!
Accessible, complete, organized in a reader-friendly way so that you can look up any concern about your aging self or loved one.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have for aging adults! Honest Aging is full of helpful information and wonderful insights. Incredibly helpful for aging adults and adult children!

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Leipzig’s book is indispensable to anyone who is aging — which is everyone! It’s chock full of practical information written in a way that makes it totally accessible. Highly recommended!

[Barb Wiseberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!