I've Never Been an Old Man: What It's Like If You Plan to Age

I've Never Been an Old Man: What It's Like if You Plan to Age is an engaging first-person narrative of the trials and travails of growing old. While not a self-help book per se, readers will almost certainly glean insight in coping with the difficulties that come with loss of faculties, and the long-term value of actively embracing aging rather than simply tolerating it. Chapters speak of doctor's office fiascos, lifelong milestones, "cat husbandry with no degree" and more. A chuckle-inducing and emotionally uplifting as well as practical-eyed tour de force of the golden years of life.

Don details the events of his life beginning with his 54th anniversary. His wife, JJL, is becoming ill, and he is drawn into the life of a caregiver. He describes the changes in their relationship, and the things that remain the same. They have two cats, Latte and Mocha. Latte is JJL's constant companion, and Mocha is Don's. Don uses humor as he discusses JJL's need to monitor him at all times. He and she are on different sleep cycles, and she complains when he sleeps through the TV shows that she watches at night. Yet she sleeps later in the morning than he does. He talks about the difficulty of maintaining medication supplies for them both. And a constant theme throughout the book is how much having Latte and Mocha improve both their lives. Don uses dialog by referring to "Self", his internal companion. He points out the importance of having external sources of socialization and support as JJL's health continues to deteriorate. He unflinchingly describes the negative impact stress has on his own health. Yet, each chapter he finds something to say "Hallelujah" about. When JJL finally needs to be in an assisted living home, Don details the search for one, and the impact on them both as she moves. Once relieved of the intense burden of caring for his wife, he is able to return to the husband role he obviously cherishes. His deep love for JJL permeates every line of the book, and shows in the care he takes of her. I've Never Been an Old Man is amusing, touching and enjoyable reading. I recommend it to others who are interested in aging and caregiving.

I'VE NEVER BEEN AN OLD MAN is a must read for baby boomers and seniors. New author, Don Larsen, has written a non-fictional account of his personal triumphs and setbacks as he enters a new phase of his life; an elderly man caring for his ailing wife. This is much more than a man relaying his experiences as a caregiver. Mr. Larsen has created a humnorous, honest approach to handling what life is throwing his way.Readers will be treated to an attitude that we should all try to emulate. Mr. Larsen has a zest for life that leaves me in awe, as well as exhausted. With his personal philisophy being, "I believe an active mind and body retards the aging process", it is obvious that being in his late 70's is not a reason to give up and sit in a rocker.Under the humor and the day-to-day obstacles in his life, there is a moving love story that emerges quietly. After being married for well over 50 years, his beloved wife Jacquie has numerous health problems as well as impending dementia. They take showers together so he can hold her, protect her from falling, and be by her side. Those are certainly not the reasons they might have showered together many years before. This might not be the love carried out as a physical act, but it is love at its most pure. It was a poignant and moving scene that brought tears to my eyes.I highly recommend this book for anyone that needs a reality check on aging. If you are a senior that can't get motivated or if you are a boomer with parents that can't get involved in life, this book is for you! This book might just be the inspiration to get up, get out, and live life to the fullest. I found it to be an enjoyable read from cover to cover. Don't wait until your "golden years" to enjoy the fruits of your labor....enjoy them NOW. If you are in your golden years, take a page from Mr. Larsen's book and find ways to stay active. "Get in; buckle your seat belt, and enjoy some of his golden years, his cats, health misfortunes, and anything else crossing the highway of his life." You will be glad you did.(Reviewed for Denise's Pieces Book Reviews)