The Virtues of Aging

Simple, plain, clear good advice enlived by personal example and story. This is a good book about aging wisely, retaining one's powers as best as one can through the senior years. Former President Carter involuntarily forced to retire at fifty- six faced a double - crisis , identity and financial. He almost lost the family land and farm, but was saved when his peanut holdings were bought by a large consortium. He and his wife Rosalyn became active in new ways, as university teachers, writers, volunteer builders of one home for a needy person each year. The Carter recipe for enjoying old age involves remaining active, continuing to interact with others, exercising, avoiding the well- known evils of cigarettes and excess drinking. Carter recognizes that not everyone has the prerogatives of a former President but he maintains that most of us have the resources to go on enjoying life in old age. It seems to me Carter is a lot wiser in this work than he is in many of his political writings. This is a good book and has valuable tips which should help towards graceful aging.

I'm in my mid-40's and found this book a facinatinglook at older age. Carter busts the old stereotypesabout sitting in the rocking chair during retirement age and mentions numerous examples of friends and associates in the 70's and 80's who are living enormously productive lives. This bookgives me hope for the future. Even though my last 45 years were probably a little easier than my next 45 will, I find solace in the many examples of warm relationships maintained, hobbies developed and new challenges in later life. A whole-hearted endorsement for this book.Carter is my favorite former US President.The book also gave me a great curiousity to look at more information on the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. Jeffrey McAndrewbroadcaster and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"1

Jimmy Carter writes as if he were having one of his presidential fireside chats. His writing is clear, friendly, and very readable, as always. He gives the reader a look into his world with his poignant writing style. In his book "The Virtues of Aging", Jimmy Carter takes the reader through the maze of events that transpire as men and women go through the transition from aging adults to senior citizens. Carter writes of his own transition from president of the United States to a (not so) private citizen. How he felt at his sudden unemployment: "I was just fifty-six years old when I was involuntarily retired from my position in the White House. What made losing the job even worse was that it was a highly publicized event, with maybe half of the people in the world knowing about my embarrassing defeat ". Carter writes honestly and openly of his rude awakening into the ranks of senior citizenship, his close encounter with bankruptcy, the fear of losing the family business and property that has been in his family for generations, and ultimately his fortunate financial recovery. Carter describes the importance of an open mind for success in role transition and steps to take to prevent an identity crisis from occurring, such as the importance of family, friends, goals and hobbies in creating successful identity continuity. He discusses the absolute significance of health care for the elderly and the lack of such care for the impoverished elderly in the United States. Jimmy Carter gives the reader suggestions on how to prepare for retirement and aging- the economics, emotions, and physical aspects (health wise) of aging. He also understands that most young adults do not think about their later years until they are there. He covers the emotional support he received and continues to receive and give to his wife Rosalyn Carter during the difficult periods he went through before and at the end of his presidency and right into senior citizenship. Carter describes the feelings of wanting to get closer to his adult children, grandchildren and Rosalyn. Jimmy Carter covers some important facts and statistics that directly or indirectly concern the elderly and retired. The clear message in this book is that entering the ranks of senior citizenship need not be a harrowing experience, but a virtuous new stage of life. "The Virtues of Aging" should be read by the young as well as those aging individuals who are planning or who have not begun to plan for retirement and/or their senior years.

No extraneous words were left in this manuscript. It is probably the best written book I have ever read. I usually fall asleep while reading or never finish the book. This one had me pulled over in shaded parking lots with the engine running and air conditioner on until I finished. As a 47 year old, I think what he has to say is wise and practical. Highly recommend it.

Thank you Jimmy Carter. I have reached retirement age, am a woman who has raised three sons alone, worked since I was 15 and was feeling very useless and over the hill. Your book has inspired me and made me realize, much to my amazement, that the best is yet to come. Again, thank you Mr. President for your plain and simple words of encouragement and hope for those of us who thought our life was over. Your right to the point and thoughts have made me an eager retiree. Please keep writing and I'll keep reading....