%20copy.png)
As we get older, many find value in seeking advice on the best ways to navigate the years past 55. While fiction novels are a fantastic way to delve into adventures and wonder, non-fiction books are there to ground us and provide us with avenues to explore our new-found knowledge. With the guidance of reflective memoirs and professionals who base their revelations in science and research, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite books that encourage us to control our destinies in this new chapter of our lives.
1. This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite
It’s no surprise that society celebrates and rewards youth, and Ashton Applewhite is here to challenge the notion that we decline as we get older. In This Chair Rocks, Applewhite explores the origins and prejudices behind ageism, and how we can collectively combat the stereotypes and myths of how society demands we age. Topics covered include how our bodies and minds function, the myth of American independence, and more. It’s a beautiful and sharp reminder of how we must reframe our mindsets and embrace the endless possibilities for new experiences later in life.
2. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
In Being Mortal, Atul Gawande challenges 21st century ideas of how we approach mortality when it comes to professional healthcare. While modern medicine has transformed the world in previously unimaginable ways, there are also shortcomings in how we use it to treat older patients. Gawande argues for medicine to be used to encourage the human spirit and achieve higher qualities of life for those in their last days. If you’re interested in healthcare and how we can reimagine a freer, more socially fulfilling society for healthcare patients, this book is for you.
3. Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being by Andrew Weil, M.D.
Dr. Andrew Weil specializes in integrative medicine to transform our lives in achievable ways. Drawing on the science of biogerontology, or the study of aging, Healthy Aging guides you through traditional and nontraditional approaches for healthy living, such as learning to eat an anti-inflammatory diet, debunking common myths surrounding anti-aging “medicines”, and practicing exercise and stress-management techniques. There’s no shortage of the things we can do to keep our bodies and minds in their healthiest forms possible throughout our lives!
4. Life, Part Two: Seven Keys to Awakening with Purpose and Joy as You Age by David Chernikoff
Our “second half of life” has the remarkable potential to be the time for the most growth and awakening, where we can enhance some of our best human qualities like wisdom, compassion, joy, and kindness. David Chernikoff has studied spirituality for decades, and invites readers of Life, Part Two to embrace seven key elements of living a conscious life, from embracing the mystery to serving from the heart. This is a fantastic guidebook for all who aspire to live fully as they grow older and practice self-improvement to empower, clarify, and thrive.
5. Breaking the Age Code by Becca Levy, PhD
Yale professor and expert on the psychology of aging, Dr. Becca Levy wants to improve the way we think about aging in order to unlock our fullest potential throughout the process. In Breaking the Age Code, discover how the age beliefs that dominate Western society shape so many aspects of our lives and how we view our own health. If we can weaken these negative beliefs and reshape the structural ageism that holds us back, we’re on our way to transforming our lives. The mind-body connection is incredibly powerful, and this novel will show you just how.
6. Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100 by Marta Zaraska
If you thought the only keys to longevity were half-marathons and organic food, think again. Written by science journalist Marta Zaraska and heavily backed by research, Growing Young presents a strong case for how positive social networks help promote a long and healthy life. With healthy eating and physical activity also comes strengthening your relationships and practicing empathy throughout your day-to-day life. Follow Marta’s journey around the world as she discovers the insightful habits that lead to the longest and happiest lives.
Reading books that resonate with our current chapters in life is inspiring and encourages us to self-reflect on where we are and where we want to go. At Arden, we want our residents to know they can live with possibility and vibrance no matter what the age. If you’re interested in exploring more ways to live your best and healthiest life, visit our lifestyle blog here.