50 Things to Do When You Turn 50: 50 Experts on the Subject of Turning 50

by Ronnie Sellers (Editor)

Dont even think about turning 50 without this book! A compilation of short articles, musings and reminiscences written by experts and celebrities from all walks of life on the subject of turning 50. Includes valuable information on important medical tests, estate planning, insurance strategies, as well as a healthy dose of poetry and humor. A partial list of contributors includes Garrison Keillor, humorist; Bobbi Brown, beauty expert; Wendy Wasserstein, playwright; Robert Thurman, Buddhist scholar; Diane von Furstenberg, clothing designer; Taressa Stovall, belly dancer; Kat Lane, astrologist; Gary Jobson, Americas Cup winner; and Lorna Wendt, philanthropist. Everything you should know and a lot more that will make you laugh and think. A must read for those turning 50, this book will help you make the most of a milestone year. All royalties will be donated to benefit cancer research. This is a fabulous 50th birthday gift, and a lot more useful than an Over the Hill coffee mug and black balloons!

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Nancy Lewis]

I don't know. Some of these things are useful (eat flax, get a colonoscopy), but most of them are not (get a facelift? check your horoscope?).

And some of them are just silly, i.e. the top ten things about turning 50:
10. You don't have to worry what your parents will say if you come home late.
9. You can read whatever you want.
8. You can eat anything you want for breakfast.
...

Seriously? There are 49-year-olds out there who worry what their parents will say if they get home after midnight? I mean, seriously??!

[Cherise]

Mom gave me this book for Christmas because my 50th birthday comes in 2013! I liked most of the essays, although a few I really object to, such as the one on plastic surgery. By far the best essay in this collection is Garrison Keillor's: "Stop Complaining." I'll quote what is quoted from it in the table of contents, just to give you a taste of this witty and wise bit of good advice: "No one cares that you don't like getting older -- so quit bellyaching. But 50 is a great time to... stop having dinner with people you don't like."

[Scott Torrey]

Given to me by the Delucas for my 50th. Series of short essays on various topics. Although many were bland, Dave Barry's "Get your 'behindular zone' checked out" was hilarious and I have reread multiple times. I also will be taking action on getting our wills updated and estate plan established. I also enjoyed "Time to Start Unlearning", "Get your mojo working", "Jump off a bridge" and "Pay off your mortgage", along with story of the guy who decided to fulfill his childhood dream of being a trapeze artist.

[Kathy]

Should have read this when I was in my 40s. Good advice all around....some which may or may not apply to your lifestyle.

[Kenneth Osherow]

ok

[Mark Donovan]

Some nice essays with some concrete advice for growing older.

[Kelly]

I shelved this book as "gave up on" since I turned 60 last year.
Thank you, dear Michele, for this under-used present. Wish I could call you and tell you the joke; I know you would laugh with me.

[Melinda]

This book consists of 50 essays, all advice on turning 50 and I would say advice about life. There were essays that spoke to me and some I didn't necessarily relate to, but overall a good book. I enjoyed reading it and I do think it impacted my life, it gave me some things to think about and put into action.

[Kari Mccrory]

This book is filled with essays discussing emotional and physical changes one faces as one ages. Some of the essays have wonderful suggestions and others not so much. It was worth the read just to pick up a few good nuggets of advice.

[Jeanne]

A lot of interesting and thoughtful essays on turning 50. An easy read --- some essays were more substantive than others, but overall a fun read.

[sid]

This was a gift and I read it for love. About a dozen of the 50 recommendations are thought provoking.

[Lynn]

Some practical advice - some not so much. The crux of it all is just to enjoy who you are and by now, you should have figured out who that is.

[OliviaHF]

Good life strategies/lessons that are better learned before 50. Some essays better than others. A quick read.

[Linda Carmel]

I really enjoyed this book. I will go back to parts that I favored. I found it quite inspirational.

[Jennifer]

This is a long-winded Buzzfeed listicle.