On the Way to Over the Hill: A Guide to Aging Gracefully

If you are planning to live a long life or know someone who has, then this is the book for you. This author is what my mother would have called "feisty". She has some definite ideas about aging gracefully: "Aging sucks a lemon." The rest of the book is just as blunt. She advocates "aging with attitude." A survivor of 74 years, she has paid her dues and seen her share of sorrow: she has outlived her husband and an only son, has endured surgeries and other infirmities and indignities that come with advanced age. This book provides a thought-provoking look at aging in our society. Specifically, it calls attention to how we treat our elderly, something we should all think about; after all, people are living longer these days, and we'll most likely be elderly one day. The book is full of short entertaining snippets that can be read at one sitting or piecemeal, as time permits. A very engaging, witty, and truthful read that would make a good gift for anyone who plans to live a long life.

In Grace Lee's "On The Way to Over the Hill," she uses wisdom and witticisms to scale life's upward slopes. Whether gentle or steep, the journey through life's pathways provide Lee with the opportunity for humorous revelations. Lee takes a serious subject into the fun zone and her crisp style makes her book a joy to read. A series of short essays reveal how coping skills have much to do with attitude. This is a book that should be read before coming anywhere near the top of the hill because so much of how we handle the later part of our lives starts very early. As Lee suggests, attitude is a process that begins before reaching life's apexes. If frugal when young, for example, chances are you won't be an elderly spendthrift. However, the danger of frugality spilling over into cheap can lead to the deprivation of pleasures in later years. As Lee suggests, if we have to suffer the drawbacks, we may as well dip generously into a smorgasbord of treats. Rather than dwell on pitfalls, which she tackles with lighthearted aplomb, she points out the many perks you pick up along the way to over the hill. Yes, perks. For example, having more time to travel, to try new experiences, to make new friends, to be open to new ideas, to tackle new hobbies and generally to expand one's realm. Above all, to gain wisdom and joy along the way. For Lee, humor is a mainstay; the life force necessary for survival. It is especially evident when she reveals her own experiences with the aging process. It is the soothing balm easing the ascent, the descent and all the hills and valleys encountered along the way. I loved the book and keep it around for reference when I have my own experiences.