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Enlightened Aging: Building Resilience for a Long, Active Life Kindle Edition
by Eric B. Larson (Author), Joan DeClaire (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
A leading expert in the science of healthy aging, Dr. Eric B. Larson offers practical advice for growing old with resilience and foresight. More than just canned advice, Enlightened Aging proposes a path to resilience—one that’s proven to help many stave off disability until very old age. The steps on this path include pro-activity, acceptance, and building and maintaining good physical, mental, and social health
Using inspiring stories from Dr. Larson’s experiences with study participants, patients, friends, and relatives, Enlightened Aging will help readers determine what their paths can look like given their own experiences and circumstances. It informs readers of the scientific evidence behind new perspectives on aging. It inspires readers with stories of people who are approaching aging with enlightened attitudes. It offers advice and resources for readers to build their own reserves for old age. It recommends ways for readers to work with their doctors to stay as healthy as possible for their age. And it offers ideas for building better communities for our aging population. While especially relevant to the baby boom generation, this work is really for people of all ages looking for encouragement and wise counsel in order to live a long, active life.
Print length 295 pages
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Review
The recommendations in Enlightened Aging are based on a lot of evidence and draw heavily on Larson’s research over a decades-long career. Anyone who is planning to get old should read it. ― Columns: The University of Washington Alumni Magazine
Enlightened Aging distills and explains 30 years of gerontology about human aging into a wonderfully readable guide for anyone looking to make the kind of choices that lead to one to age well and happily. By peppering the science with stories about his patients, Dr. Larson spins an engaging narrative that should inspire every reader. -- Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Dr. Larson’s easy to read, well referenced book contains a wealth of important information, and it should be read by everyone who is aging: all of us. -- Catherine DeAngelis, MD, MPH, Professor Emerita, Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Editor in Chief Emerita, JAMA
This can-do guide gives commonsense, doable advice on how to proactively create a path to a meaningful life. Refreshingly, Larson, a physician studying how to delay and prevent Alzheimer’s and declines in memory, promotes cost-free approaches rather than pushing particular medicines, supplements, or regimens. Instead, he recommends ways to build resilience by filling mental, physical, and social reserves. 'If you come to aging fully resourced, activated, and aware of the challenges ahead, you’re going to have a much richer, more satisfying experience,' Larson writes. One challenge: dementia happens to one third of people aged 85 to 90 and half of those aged 90 to 95. Larson observes that employment can be an important part of identity and self-esteem, but he advises readers to make time for exercise, hobbies, and visits with loved ones, especially those connecting across generations. One 73-year-old, for example, teaches yoga every day and chauffeurs her grandsons. This thoughtful, easy-to-read book can help people of any age learn how to boost the likelihood of a long, fulfilling life. ― Booklist
Kudos to Dr. Eric B. Larson for inspiring readers to take a pro-active stance for their own health. He provides an informed approach to confronting the epidemic of over-treatment, over-diagnosis, and bad drugs older people face today. Enlightened Aging will help turn the tide, offering readers practical advice that leads to resilience and improved quality of life in old age. -- Leana Wen, MD, MSc, Health Commissioner, City of Baltimore; author of When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnosis and Unnecessary Tests
In Enlightened Aging Dr. Eric Larson offers a practical, positive, and humane perspective on the challenges of aging. He draws upon a rare combination of great clinical experience and in-depth knowledge of the research on aging. Dr. Larson is that caring physician who is dedicated to finding what will work best for each elderly patient. -- Edward W. Campion, MD, Executive Editor, New England Journal of Medicine
The personal, professional and the public intellectual breadth of this book is mind boggling. Even more enlivening is the heartwarming embrace we feel from Eric Larson as the son, physician, and researcher. This is a truly enlightened book by a compassionate collaborative partnership that brings the wise messages to life through stories. Taking control of your own health and building biopsychosocial resilience are the essential and wise takeaways from which we can all benefit. Nothing less fundamental than enriching your story of your life (and death) is at the core of this book. -- Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
We all share the same two goals for our personal end game—a long life and one that preserves our vitality until the end. Yet, information on how to achieve those goals is cluttered, confusing, and replete with overhyped promises. Enlightened Aging cuts through the clutter and offers sound, evidence-based advice from a wise physician and geriatrician. He offers no magic bullets, but does present a wealth of common sense that will help you and your loved ones face the inevitable medical, social, and economic choices that come with aging. Spoiler alert: continued physical activity is the next best thing to that elusive magic bullet. -- Steven A. Schroeder, MD, Distinguished Professor of Health and Healthcare, University of California, San Francisco; Former President and CEO―the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Keep moving, learning, connecting. In Enlightened Aging, Dr. Eric Larson distills decades of research into lessons that can help all of us die young—as late as possible. -- Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD, President, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
I can tell you that I read Enlightened Aging with trepidation. Yet as I read it brought a huge smile to my lips because here is sensible, research-based advice based on a huge population studied with the best methods that tells you to become RESILIENT as you get older, how to stay vital and vibrant. Get this book! And let it be your wise guide for getting better as you get older. -- John M. Gottman, Author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work; co-Founder of The Gottman Institute
Larson, a clinical professor of medicine, and DeClaire, a health journalist, offer an empowering exploration, targeted to baby boomers, of ways to age healthfully while staving off disability and maintaining an active life. Rather than suggesting some 'magic bullet,' the authors focus on increasing resilience, the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances, through building mental, physical, and social reserves. They state that baby boomers have a better chance of aging healthfully than any generation before them, and identify factors that lead to better aging, including proactivity, attitude, and acceptance. They also caution against overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and new but not necessarily improved medication, instead lauding lifestyle changes as solutions to age-related problems. Larson and DeClaire advise readers to make decisions that are right for them and be proactive about their healthcare. Building on the subject of attitude, they recommend making aspirations more focused and attainable as one ages, something they see as leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction. Though no one can guarantee a long, healthy life, Larson and DeClaire help stack the odds in readers’ favor with their informative work. ― Publishers Weekly
This uplifting account of what it takes to be prepared for an enlightened old age is a must read for all of us. It translates scientific research on aging to useful advice on building the physical, mental, and emotional reserves to help us age as we most desire. -- Karen Davis, PhD, Eugene and Mildred Lipitz Professor; Director, Rogert C. Lipitz Center For Integrated Health Care at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
About the Author
Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH, is a leading expert in the science of healthy aging. Since 1986, he has led a large, longitudinal research program focused on delaying and preventing Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and declines in memory and thinking. Called the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study, this program is the world’s longest-running study of its kind and includes one of the largest research populations age 85 and older. ACT is a collaboration of Group Health (a Seattle-based health system) Kaiser Permanente, the University of Washington (UW), and the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Larson is also executive director of Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (formerly Group Health Research Institute), a public-interest research center. In addition, he is a clinical professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and of health services at the UW School of Public Health. He also maintains an internal-medicine practice, providing primary care to his patients since 1975. Before joining Group Health in 2002, Dr. Larson served as medical director for the UW Medical Center and associate dean for clinical affairs at its medical school from 1989 to 2002. He is a member and past president of the Society of General Internal Medicine; member and former chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians; a master of the American College of Physicians; and an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine (formerly called the Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Larson has published hundreds of research papers in peer-review medical journals—including the Journal of the American Medical Association, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Annals of Internal Medicine.
Joan DeClaire is a journalist specializing in health, psychology, and family relationships. She is co-author of three books: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting (1998); The Relationship Cure: A 5-Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships (2002); Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage: America’s Love Lab Experts Share Their Strategies for Strengthening Your Relationship (2007). DeClaire’s work has appeared in many consumer magazines, including Readers Digest, People, Parents,Ladies’ Home Journal, and Redbook. She currently works as director of communications at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, where she edits the Healthy Findings blog, and manages media relations, social media, scientific editing, and web content development.
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From other countries
patricia lepage
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 20 March 2018
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very good
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Stephen Reinig
5.0 out of 5 stars Proactive and Holistic Planning for the Aging Years
Reviewed in the United States on 30 November 2017
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I purchased this book a month before my retirement from active/career employment. It is one of the best books I have read this year. I found it to be extremely informative and validating to the extent it clearly supported choices I have already made or am making as I move into the next phase of my life. In particular the chapter on acceptance hit home! I remember when I started my walking routine in my 40s thinking “use it or lose it.” (I must have been anticipating resiliency.) In addition I had been paring down goals bringing them more in line with body and spirit. In my 20s and 30s I loved climbing and roaming through the mountains. I now measure success based on enjoyment and just getting out for a good day hike or short backpacks. Finally chapter 8 really hit home and was very emotional to read. More than a few tears as I read about the passing of the authors family and friends and remembering how my parents went. Very touching and has spurred me on to think about updating my advance directives. Thanks you so much for those stories!!Larson and DeClaire have hit a home run with this book. I highly recommend it to everyone. It’s never too soon to start thinking about the aging in later life and preparing for it in a holistic manner.
4 people found this helpful
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Lloyd G. Stevens
5.0 out of 5 stars Keep moving, then move some more
Reviewed in the United States on 1 August 2017
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In his own words Dr. Larson has stated that he was aiming his book at Boomers, but it certainly plays well to those of us in the pre boomer period and would be a great resource for the younger generation as well.
For over 40 years I have been hearing much of the advice Dr. Larson gives in his "Enlightened Living" book. Yes, I am a patent of Dr. Larson's at the University of Washington, but not part of the aging study. Over those years much of the advise and comments have remained the same, highly recommending not smoking. Some areas have gained more importance as a result of the aging study at Group health, like the importance of exercise. Keep moving in all aspects of life, physically as well as mentally is certainly a theme in the book.
As a couple striving to get into the 'Old-Old" age group my wife and believe that the mental aspects of aging gets the proper attention in the book.
I (and my wife) personally disagree on Dr. Larson's thoughts on screening, like the PSA tests or Mammograms, but other than that believe that this book provides great information, based upon evidence, for people of all ages to become more Enlightened as they age.
4 people found this helpful
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Jan
5.0 out of 5 stars My New Handbook for Aging
Reviewed in the United States on 14 July 2017
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Enlightened Aging is an important, unique book of advice. The author is not just a scientist, but a primary care physician. And he's on a mission to tell people--especially fellow baby boomers--what he has learned about the aging process through decades of research and also his hands-on medical practice. His guidance is not exactly new, but it's based on large-scale studies combined with his years of caring for the elderly as they age. His recommendations are therefore trustworthy, and they're organized and presented in a way that will make this my go-to book as I grow old. I finished the book yesterday, and I'm already urging other baby boomers to read it too.
Before I read the book, I viewed my future as one long decline. And while Dr. Larson encourages us to accept our growing limitations and the fact that we all die, he stresses resilience along the way. And in order to be resilient, we need to plan and fill our reserves, keeping ourselves moving, learning, and connecting with others. He offers stories about people who experienced setbacks but managed, through their reserves, to bounce back and adapt. In this way, a refreshingly frank, realistic book feels hopeful.
10 people found this helpful
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David N Reinhard
5.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging news about healthy aging!
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2019
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I bought this book after hearing the author discuss it as part of a panel discussion. There are a lot of books out now about how to be healthy as we get older, but I would put this one at the top of the list. It's easy to get into, engaging and hopeful about our prospects. I like how he brings in results of clinical studies, along with his own personal practice as a physician, to provide a helpful roadmap for going through the process of getting older--something we will all do, eventually, unless we die at a younger age! The book gives practical and encouraging information about how practicing healthy habits (diet, exercise, social interaction, etc.) can lead to a cultivation of what Larson calls resilience. This can help us "add life to our years," rather than obsessing about adding years to our lives.
2 people found this helpful
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Martin Siegel
5.0 out of 5 stars Healthy Aging
Reviewed in the United States on 1 August 2017
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A wonderful book identifying behaviors that lead to a more functional existence as we all age. Written with a very easy to read narrative style mixed with good science where we have data available. As a physician I found that this helped round out my knowledge about healthy habits that make a meaningful difference in prolonging an active, independent lifestyle. Dr. Larson has been a "real Doctor" as well as a researcher in the field of healthy aging. His vast experience in both arenas makes this book very valuable to anyone who reads it whether it applies to them or their parents or their patients.
For all of us, our own lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, nutrition, obesity etc.)will have a profound effect on our functional status later in life. The subject of "End of Life " decision making is also well discussed.The book is an excellent read for all.
3 people found this helpful
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Anne danford
5.0 out of 5 stars And let it be your wise guide for getting better as you get older
Reviewed in the United States on 20 August 2017
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Enlightened Aging is a gem of a book. The authors manage to present important research-based information on aging in such a way that makes it unusually accessible. Furthermore, the stories Larson and DeClaire include in their book not only engage the reader but also provide inspiration. It is a gift to read a book on aging that, rather than induce guilt for all the things I haven’t done for my aging body-mind thus far, encourages me to accept the inevitable changes that aging brings as well as empowers me to make the changes that will build resilience. As John Gottman wrote in his endorsement of the book, “Get this book! And let it be your wise guide for getting better as you get older.”
2 people found this helpful
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Porsche Everson
5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I read this book
Reviewed in the United States on 28 August 2017
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This book is written in an engaging style, and combines what we know from research with personal stories that illustrate the points the authors are making. Eric and Joan do a great job. My takeaways: There is no magic bullet for avoiding issues associated with aging, but we can prepare better and live a quality life by building resilience in our physical, emotional, and mental health storage banks. Taking care of our bodies is good for our brain health. Physical activity every single day is important and good for us.
This book is very readable, and provides very practical advice that we can all follow.
One person found this helpful
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HPV
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT FOR THE BOOMERS
Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2019
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I learned a lot too. I happen to have met Dr. Larson when I did some work for the University of WA and while impressed with him then, I was even more impressed after reading this book. The book is very well written and offers sensible, common sense approaches to age challenges. It is also nicely footnoted, which enabled me to access additional info of interest. Thank you Dr. Larson for a wonderful book. I have now purchased several copies, giving them to family and friends.
One person found this helpful
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lda515
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, a must read for Baby Boomers
Reviewed in the United States on 5 January 2018
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This book provides transition information for those that are approaching retirement age. Retirement gives you the opportunity to have time to do all the things on your bucket list. It's also overwhelming as you seek to know that you made difference with your life. This book provides a thoughtful series of topics for you to consider. This is a reference that you will revisit thru out your journey.
One person found this helpful
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From other countries
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good information on how to age well
Reviewed in the United States on 29 July 2017
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Good information on how to age well. Encouraging to know it is never too late to take some control of one's life and be your own best advocate. Should be required reading for everyone.
2 people found this helpful
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Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars So practical, sensible information by well qualified geriatric physician.
Reviewed in the United States on 12 July 2019
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Gift for baby boomer daughter. Excellent resource for multigenerational families.
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Yvonne G.D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 March 2018
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It’s a concise account of ageing written by a credible source. Enjoyed it.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 11 June 2018
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Filled will pertinent information.
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Ellyn Lem
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2 books
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September 1, 2017
There are shelves filled with books on aging these days as the numbers indicate a growing segment of our population with be over 65 by the year 2020--one in six. The "niche" of this particular book is that it is written by a doctor who has been involved in longitudinal studies on preventing and delaying Alzheimer's and dementia. Like Atul Gawande's hugely important book "On Being Mortal," this one, too, nicely balances the latest findings from medical research with more personal anecdotes of Larson's patients and family members. What I appreciated about the stories he includes is that he is not just presenting "superstars" who evade the normal wear and tear of aging on the body and mind, that often are trumpeted in the news. His "people" are often remarkable (the tango dancer in her hundreds), but he avoids the simplistic equation of "you, too, can be like them"); instead, he draws important lessons from their stories, often that exhibit people can have some degree of control over how their bodies change over time and the decisions that go along with those changes. While I already am a huge proponent of exercise, "Enlightened Aging" should make everyone want to get up on their feet as being physically active in some way will be a boon to your emotional, physical and mental well being in more ways than a person can imagine. Similarly, the sections on smoking and alcohol should also make people take a second look if they indeed want to "mark" their bodies for damage down the road as Larson has witnessed first hand. Scary stuff!
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Alicia
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November 16, 2017
Upbeat and informative. Backed by good research.
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Pamela Okano
489 reviews
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September 6, 2019
This book presents a common sense primer on how to age well. Most of it, many of you will know, but it's always good to have it repeated, especially by a physician. The volume would make a nice companion piece to Atul Gawande's Being Mortal.
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Gwenn
273 reviews
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August 30, 2017
there was a lot in this book. you have to be a part of things to keep involved in living. you have to care for people you have to be active and take care of your health. I liked the idea of starting over when you retire - just think you have decades left - you could start a new career, make lots of new friends, find and enjoy new interests. don't stay stuck where you are at. and when you are ready to die - think about how you want to go - make plans and accept. there was no preachiness about anything - there were facts and suggestions, but nothing made me feel like someone was forcing me to live (or die) a certain way.
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Sara
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October 10, 2017
I confess that I didn't really finish it. I found it to be trite and full of information that is just common sense, backed by some medical studies/information. But what really annoyed me was the presumption of the author that every older person could afford to do some of the things he was suggesting. It should have been titled "Enlightened Aging for the Upper Middle Class."
I don't normally read self-help books and this one didn't convince me that I should.
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Meepspeeps
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December 14, 2017
The author weaves some heartwarming and sobering stories into his campaign message for Baby Boomers to "rebel" and make modern medicine work better for them as they age. Mental decline? exercise. Chronic disease? exercise. Common physical declines from aging? exercise. Avoid drugs and surgeries whenever possible. The last chapter about planning the last days and death with dignity is the best one. I recommend it for peeps aged about 55 to 100.
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Bud
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January 28, 2018
Dr. Eric Larson, Medical Director at UW Medicine and geriatrician, writes a down-to-earth book advising practices that build health and build resilience for later years of life. The book is based on his years in practice and gives examples of his patients and families to illustrate his recommendations. The book covers all aspects of preventive medicine with a range of topics from infectious diseases and injuries to housing, mental hygiene, and end of life planning.
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Pat
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May 1, 2023
Author, Dr. Larson, is an internist with connections to University of Washington. He provides numerous examples of former elderly patients and their efforts at continually building resilience physically, mentally and socially as he relates the steps he encourages all older people to consider. It is a quick 200 page read with the final section dealing with considerations of death. Notes and index.
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Doris
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December 21, 2019
Help for aging with resilience and being active.
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2017 S&P Award Winner
Enlightened Aging
Building Resilience for a Long, Active Life
By Eric B. Larson, Joan DeClaire
An examination of resilience, proactivity, acceptance and other keys to healthy aging.
Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the American population aged 65 to 89 will double between 2010 and 2050. Meanwhile, the number of people 90 and over will more than quadruple.
Eric B. Larson is a leading expert in the science of healthy aging. He has led a large, longitudinal research program focused on delaying and preventing Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, and declines in memory and thinking. He is vice president for research and health care innovation for the Washington region of Kaiser Permanente (formerly Group Health) and executive director of Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute.
One of the questions that keeps him focused is what animates and sustains those who live long and active lives. Is it genetics? Good luck? Healthy habits? A great attitude? Or perhaps a combination of all these things? In Larson's mind, the biggest question is whether or not the generation that was so enamored of John Lennon's "Power to the People" gather the same energy and enthusiasm today on behalf of their own health?
At the core of this book is the examination of resilience which Larson defines as "the ability to grow stronger in the face of adversity and stress." Those on this path are able to bounce back from illness and other setbacks that come their way. The author has identified the following qualities which enable enlightened elders to carry on:
Aging with an Attitude — Proactivity
Discovering Aging on Its Own Terms — Acceptance
Building Mental, Physical, and Social Reserves — Building Reserves of Well-Being.
The last chapter covers the choices about dealing with death available to those who have diligently had a life well-lived. Hats off to Larson for his treatment of aging as a multidimensional and interdisciplinary collaboration!
