"I always loved to sit down with a book and lose
myself in it," says Iris, 70. "But with the
kids and housework there was never enough time to finish
one. Now I read at least a book a week." Libraries,
bookstores, secondhand book shops and the internet make
finding books easier than ever. This column highlights
a few titles that could end up next to your bedside reading
lamp. Many are available in large print and some as audio
recordings.
* The Savvy Senior: the Ultimate Guide to Health,
Family, and Finances for Senior Citizens (Jim Miller,
2004). The author of a syndicated column provides comprehensive
information in reader-friendly style that mixes facts
with humor, checklists, resources and contacts on everything
from computers, assistive devices, Medicare, depression,
eye care, fraud, caregiving, travel, nutrition and more.
A bonanza of essential information.
* I Feel Bad About my Neck (Nora Ephron, 2006).
Well known screenplay writer and humorist Ephron does
not tread lightly in her essays about aging. She writes
for women, poking fun at female vanity, shopping, psychotherapy,
purses, and yes, those aging necks.
* Healthy Aging: a Lifelong Guide to Your Physical
and Spiritual Well-Being (Andrew Weil, 2005). Weil
sees aging as a natural part of life that can be active,
productive and satisfying. He writes about centenarians,
western attitudes about aging, and how it's better to
focus on health maintenance, exercise and nutrition than
to chase eternal youth. For Weil, age brings wisdom, peace
and perspective never known in youth.
* Life is so Good (George Dawson, 2001). Dawson
co-wrote his memoir when he was 101. Even more striking
is that this black laborer from the south learned to read
through a literacy class at 98. Through his simple style
readers learn about the segregation, discrimination and
hard work that were ever present in his life. Yet he considers
himself a lucky and loved man.
* Teacher Man (Frank McCourt, 2005). Famed writer
of Angela's Ashes looks back at his 30 years as a teacher
in New York City high schools, fresh from Ireland. Written
when McCourt was over 70, this memoir is a great read
for anyone who has stood in front of a room full of unruly
teenagers.
* 1776 (David McCullough, 2005). Those who think
the American Revolution is a dusty collection of facts
and long gone faces will have their minds changed by the
writing of McCullough. His gripping account of George
Washington's trials and the dismal conditions during the
bitter winter of 1776 show us the man, the soldier and
the statesman brought to life.
* Lasting: Poems on Aging (2005). This collection
of 158 poems by famous and lesser known poets offers deep,
funny, and touching looks into the landscape of old age.
* Hometown Tales: Recollections of Kindness, Peace
and Joy (Phillip Gulley, 2001). These short stories
of small town life remind us to sit back and appreciate
the little things, return to simple spiritual values,
and reach out to our neighbors.
* On Being 100: 31 Centenarians Share Their Extraordinary
Lives and Wisdom (Liane Enkelis, 2000). Beautiful
photographic portraits and the stories of how these centenarians
experienced their lives, often in the face of adversity,
will inspire readers of all ages. These seniors who beat
the odds open a window into history and show 50 year-old
boomers all they can accomplish in their next half century
of life.
* Keep Swinging: Approach Your Senior Years Without
Skipping a Beat (Sam Ulano). Jazz drummer Ulano began
writing at 80, using one finger on a typewriter. With
humor, simple wisdom and straight talk he tells readers
how to live a full life and age well.
RESOURCES
Talking Books, a free library service for the visually
impaired (www.nlstalkingbooks.org/).
Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont (800-642-5119)
has copies of Aging in Stride and Share the Care and other
books helpful to seniors and caregivers to lend. Suddenly
Senior website has reviews of books popular with seniors
(www.suddenlysenior.com/books2004.html).
Your local library can use interlibrary loan to find
books you want that are not in their collection. They
can also tell you about book discussion groups in your
area. Many libraries have volunteers who deliver books
to homebound seniors.
