Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty: 60 Experts on the Subject of Turning 60

by Ronnie Sellers (Editor), Cap Lesesne (Contributor)

In 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the oldest of the baby boomers will begin to turn 60. That translates to approximately 13,000 people per day who will be celebrating this event in North America. We have the perfect gift of reading for the 60-somethings in your life. 60 Things To Do When You Turn 60 is a thoughtful, humorous, and sometimes provoking collection of essays written by people from all walks of life on the subject of turning 60.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Essays, Self Help

375 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Happy Birthday to Me!
Alas, I will not be doing much reading because I will be busy -- questioning everything and following my passions, learning new tricks and rejuvenating my mind. And starting a business and getting rich quick -- and milking my cash cow. And being a saint. And, thankfully, keeping my sense of humor.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, in which many authors, all specialists in various fields, write a short chapter about some aspect of turning sixty. There's financial advice, as well as advice on relationships, doing what you want, and more. While I greatly admire the person who quits his/her job and packs it all in to go trek about the world, it isn't something I would do. I would try yoga or meditation and certainly would do more traveling, it puts everything in perspective.

[Clynell Reinschmiedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book of short essays, divided into nine topical sections--each prefaced by a song guaranteed to take you back.
Section One "Get Back" (The Beatles, 1969) This section leads off with a great essay by Garrison Keillor called "Be a Grouch". The essays are well-written by people of note in the fields of both the physical and the metaphysical. It's our bathroom book:)

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish the last chapters and now I am closer to 70 and need a book 70 things to do when you turn 70.

[Suzette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only liked about one third of the book--had nice insights, etc. Another 1/3 of the book (especially about health issues) was stuff I already knew and heard 1000 times. The last 1/3 of the book was totally unattainable for the average person (of course an ex-CEO can start their own business in retirement!).

[Ray Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of these essay anthologies can tend to be a bit lame. I found this one to be an enlightening exception. Once you get past Garrison Keillor's advise to "be a grouch," most of the pieces contain pretty solid advise.

[Ruth Cuadra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for inspiring stories about changes people made and risks they took to continue their lives and not wind down prematurely. Instead I got everything from spiritual preachiness to "have a baby."

[Laura Boudreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book giving a variety of aged 60 folk the opportunity to share their experiences. One finishes the book feeling that hitting 60 is not necessarily the depressing milestone many make it out to be; it's more the point where you determine which path to take next.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual with this style of book some of the essays grab me more than others. Good laughs and some serious ideas to consider!

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great collection of stories from famous and some not so famous 60 somethings!!

[Carol D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting ready for the next chapter. :)

[Marty Vik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really expected this was a list of things I could try after turning 60. It was stories of what other people did after turning 60. They included continuing to work, starting foundations, serving on boards, etc. All good things, but these stories did not help me line up things for me to do.

I read "60 Hikes within 60 Miles" and it was about hikes. I was not surprised.

I should have read the summary more carefully before buying this books. Very interesting stories, but not what I expected.

[Ramona Jennex]

Read
Instead of reading this book, talk to people who will share their own insight on turning "whatever" age. Of course there were some interesting nuggets from some of the "experts" but in overall it was too broad, diluted and superfical.

[Annburnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has comedy and ideas of things to do over the course of the next year. Gets you started with setting some goals for yourself.

[Cheryl Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of useless advice from rich liberals. I basically just used it as filler.

[Mary Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like so many of these types of books it got too boring. Essay after essay without stop. It was a DNF for me. I’m donating it to the library in hopes that others may enjoy it more than I.

[Ted Manahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a saying, "Epiphanies are personal." In this book, sixty people share their personal epiphanies about aging. A few resonate with me, most do not, all are thankfully short.

[Boni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the variety of approaches and gems of personal wisdom proffered by each of the 60 authors. Some really hit the nail on the head, recounting what seemed to better express my personal epiphanies of reaching this 30-yard line. Amazing though, that I relate to ex-Playboy Bunny, Gloria Steinem who pointed out an experience (read age)-reinforced attitude of reaching that milestone age where expressing oneself is no longer hinged to the need for persuasion. Lots of other nice tips and examples of over-reaching and eschewing risks or youthful constraints of awkwardness. Some chapters pushed well-known retirement standards like watch your health, travel, and attitude, that offered reinforcement more than interest. Regardless, something for everyone, and a great read for us old folks who already know it all ;o)

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find your island. Shut out, peel away, and focus. Find the quiet so your inner voice can be heard loud and clear. That's where you'll find your island.

Choose your mantra.

Explore the natural landscapes where you live.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

An uneven collection of essays. Not badly written and, varying from person to person, some will appeal, others will not.

[Debbie Herring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, quick read. I quickly found my retirement interests though before I read this book.

[Barbandbianco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad; short chapters with ideas of ways to give life meaning.