The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought)
Product ID: 4265300
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Former president Jimmy Carter reflects on aging, blending memoir, anecdote, political savvy, and practical advice to truly illuminate the rich promises of growing older. “As we've grown older, the results have been surprisingly good,” writes former president Jimmy Carter in this wise, deeply personal meditation on the new experiences that come to us with age. President Carter had never enjoyed more prestige or influence on the world stage, nor had he ever felt more profound happiness with himself, with his accomplishments, and with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, than in his golden years. In The Virtues of Aging, Jimmy Carter shares the knowledge and the pleasures that age have brought him. The approach to old age was not an easy one for President Carter. At fifty-six, having lost a presidential election, he found himself involuntarily retired from a job he loved and facing a large debt on his farm and warehouse business. President Carter writes movingly here of how he and Rosalynn overcame their despair and disappointment as together they met the challenges ahead. President Carter delves into issues he and millions of others confront in planning for retirement, undertaking new diet and exercise regimens, coping with age prejudice, and sorting out key political questions. On a more intimate level, Carter paints a glowing portrait of his happy marriage to Rosalynn, a relationship that deepened when they became grandparents. Here too are fascinating sketches of world leaders, Nobel laureates, and great thinkers President Carter has been privileged to know—and the valuable lessons on aging he learned from them. The Virtues of Aging celebrates both the blessings that come to us as we grow older and the blessings older people can bestow upon others. An important and moving book, written with gentleness, humor, and love, The Virtues of Aging is a treasure for readers of all ages. Review: Suggestions for Living to a Ripe Old Age - Jimmy Carter asks the reader, - when are we old? He follows up, by Rules saying that the correct answer is that each of us is old when we think we are—when we accept an attitude of dormancy, dependence on others, a substantial limitation on our physical and mental activity, and restrictions on the number of other people with whom we interact; not to how many years we’ve lived. He continues by telling the reader: "Two thirds of our physical ailments and premature deaths are caused by our own deliberate choice of lifestyle and can be delayed or prevented with proper habits." Carter states that he believes: "Our primary purpose in our golden years is not just to stay alive as long as we can, but to savor every opportunity for pleasure, excitement, adventure, and fulfillment. There is still a difference between how long we live and how much we enjoy living. With reasonably good health, there are two crucial factors in how happy or successful an older person is: (1) having a purpose in life and (2) maintaining quality relationships with others." "Some sociologists have decided that the three most significant predictors of successful aging are (1) the level of education we have attained, (2) the amount of physical activity that we maintain, and (3) the degree of control that we feel we have over our own destiny." Carter says: "I’m inclined to agree with an elaborate study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, which concluded that the three indicators of successful aging are (1) avoiding disease and disability, (2) maintaining mental and physical function, and (3) continuing engagement with life." "It is a sign of maturity when we can accept honestly and courageously that frustrated dreams,illness, disability, and eventual death are all normal facets of a person’s existence—and that despite these, we can still continue to learn, grow, and adopt challenging goals. The simple things—our own happiness, peace, joy, satisfaction, and the exploration of love in all its forms—are the key to the virtues of life, at any age. You are old when regrets take the place of dreams." "SOME OF THE most valuable advice I’ve ever received is that it’s better to use recreation to preserve health rather than to use medicines and treatment to regain health."- Jimmy Carter in The Virtues of Aging. Review: Another thought provoking book by Jimmy Carter - THE VIRTUES OF AGING by Jimmy Carter February 25, 2006 desertcart Rating: **** In THE VIRTUES OF AGING, President Jimmy Carter writes about what a senior citizen can do to feel fulfilled and productive in ones last stage of life. As usual, he is quite candid as he writes about his own life, his marriage to Rosalyn, and recounts stories about his family and friends. I always enjoy reading Carter's non-fiction, as he always has some interesting anecdotes, as well as some wisdom-filled stories that he passes on to his readers. Carter never preaches, and I for one appreciate it. In fact, in this particular book he admits (at the end) that he tried to refrain from quoting much from the bible, as he felt it would detract from the topic. But since the church is a big part of his life, he did talk about his own participation with his church and did quote a few times in appropriate places as he discussed issues on aging. I have to admit I'm rather biased because I have always admired the work Jimmy Carter has done since his presidency. Knowing about the good works he's done in the past few decades, I do not find it difficult at all to see that he's also left his mark in his writings. He's shared with the world what he has learned through his own past experiences as a son, a father, and grandfather, as well as Governor and President of the United States. I'm slowly collecting all of his books and so far have enjoyed what I have read. THE VIRTUES OF AGING was not as structured as some of his other books have been, but I don't think it was meant to be. It is a collection of thoughts and ramblings of aging gracefully, from his point of view.
| Best Sellers Rank | #281,497 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #81 in Gerontology Social Sciences #284 in Customs & Traditions Social Sciences #587 in US Presidents |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 664 Reviews |
K**R
Suggestions for Living to a Ripe Old Age
Jimmy Carter asks the reader, - when are we old? He follows up, by Rules saying that the correct answer is that each of us is old when we think we are—when we accept an attitude of dormancy, dependence on others, a substantial limitation on our physical and mental activity, and restrictions on the number of other people with whom we interact; not to how many years we’ve lived. He continues by telling the reader: "Two thirds of our physical ailments and premature deaths are caused by our own deliberate choice of lifestyle and can be delayed or prevented with proper habits." Carter states that he believes: "Our primary purpose in our golden years is not just to stay alive as long as we can, but to savor every opportunity for pleasure, excitement, adventure, and fulfillment. There is still a difference between how long we live and how much we enjoy living. With reasonably good health, there are two crucial factors in how happy or successful an older person is: (1) having a purpose in life and (2) maintaining quality relationships with others." "Some sociologists have decided that the three most significant predictors of successful aging are (1) the level of education we have attained, (2) the amount of physical activity that we maintain, and (3) the degree of control that we feel we have over our own destiny." Carter says: "I’m inclined to agree with an elaborate study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, which concluded that the three indicators of successful aging are (1) avoiding disease and disability, (2) maintaining mental and physical function, and (3) continuing engagement with life." "It is a sign of maturity when we can accept honestly and courageously that frustrated dreams,illness, disability, and eventual death are all normal facets of a person’s existence—and that despite these, we can still continue to learn, grow, and adopt challenging goals. The simple things—our own happiness, peace, joy, satisfaction, and the exploration of love in all its forms—are the key to the virtues of life, at any age. You are old when regrets take the place of dreams." "SOME OF THE most valuable advice I’ve ever received is that it’s better to use recreation to preserve health rather than to use medicines and treatment to regain health."- Jimmy Carter in The Virtues of Aging.
R**Y
Another thought provoking book by Jimmy Carter
THE VIRTUES OF AGING by Jimmy Carter February 25, 2006 Amazon Rating: **** In THE VIRTUES OF AGING, President Jimmy Carter writes about what a senior citizen can do to feel fulfilled and productive in ones last stage of life. As usual, he is quite candid as he writes about his own life, his marriage to Rosalyn, and recounts stories about his family and friends. I always enjoy reading Carter's non-fiction, as he always has some interesting anecdotes, as well as some wisdom-filled stories that he passes on to his readers. Carter never preaches, and I for one appreciate it. In fact, in this particular book he admits (at the end) that he tried to refrain from quoting much from the bible, as he felt it would detract from the topic. But since the church is a big part of his life, he did talk about his own participation with his church and did quote a few times in appropriate places as he discussed issues on aging. I have to admit I'm rather biased because I have always admired the work Jimmy Carter has done since his presidency. Knowing about the good works he's done in the past few decades, I do not find it difficult at all to see that he's also left his mark in his writings. He's shared with the world what he has learned through his own past experiences as a son, a father, and grandfather, as well as Governor and President of the United States. I'm slowly collecting all of his books and so far have enjoyed what I have read. THE VIRTUES OF AGING was not as structured as some of his other books have been, but I don't think it was meant to be. It is a collection of thoughts and ramblings of aging gracefully, from his point of view.
P**E
Informative and Engaging
I enjoy President Carter's books as they are always very informative and engaging. Since President Carter and his wife enjoyed a long productive life, I thought this would be a good book to read to understand his insights into aging well. It met all my expectations and I highly recommend to anyone with interest in aging well.
S**K
Not sure what I expected.....
The book was well written - I could hear President Carter's voice as I read - but it didn't add a whole lot to the subject of aging. Mostly surface stuff and advice that you should have read in your thirties. It does have a bit of personal information in it and I enjoyed that. I am a Republican so Mr. Carter was not my favorite president by any means but it was nice to read of him as a real person. I think if I met him socially and we did not talk politics, I would like him very much.
S**S
Bible for Aging
The Late President Carter provides us with a road map for Aging filled with wisdom and expertise. It is a guide for Aging gracefully and with purpose.
D**K
A book full of heart and wisdom
I enjoyed this book! Jimmy Carter and Roslyn have contributed so much since his years as President to helping others. It was a pleasure to read his thoughts on life and aging, especially since I am now a bit older myself. They both experienced an amazing life, and the book is full of wisdom and advice on having a fulfilling, active life after retirement. Jimmy is still a positive presence for good, even today. Although this was written years ago, it is still pertinent today. It is a wonderful reminder that life in your "golden" years can still be happy and full of adventures! The opinions of this review are my own.
M**N
Set a new life path
This is a beautifully written book and it is helping me gain a new perspective. It has taught me to determine a new purpose for my life and re-dedicate my life. Getting older is not an end - not if I don't want it. It is a time for renewal and rebirth. It is a time for finding new interests and perhaps even a new or renewed purpose. I am so happy President Carter wrote this book. He faced so many worse events at age 56 and beyond - than I could ever face. He has taught me to be resilient and approach my life with a new positive outlook. I love this book. Thank you, President Carter, for re-directing my life.
R**N
age of revelation..
An enduring realistic grasp of “issues” relating to life’s stages and outcomes. A deeply thought out statement on affairs of life, contacts, and events that reflect and often impact our thoughts and actions. A plain spoken essay for anyone needing inspiration in their lives…
M**E
Full of love and wisdom
Being too young to be interested in books on aging, I only bought "The Virtues Of Aging" because it was authored by Jimmy Carter. I did enjoy reading it, and highly recommend it for any age. Jimmy uses his personal experience to guide us with his heart full of love. He explains how to become happier, and feel useful § at ease. A perfect gift for your parents, grandparents or aging friends.
V**A
A SINCERE ENCOURAGEMENT TO REDEEM THE TIME AHEAD
Based on his research, recollections and clear encouragement to embrace aging and redeem the time ahead President Csrter's work brought joy to my heart and a resolution to put his advice on purpose and planning into action.
E**Y
Inspired
Thank you, President Carter for this inspiring book. Your definition of success resonates strongly in its simple message - something for everyone to think about.
P**Y
Three Stars
Good to hear his perspective. Not a self-help type book.
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