The Art of Aging: A Doctor's Prescription for Well-Being

I first encountered this book as an audio book through my local library. I was so intrigued with parts of it after listening that I purchased a used copy through Amazon. Perhaps it is a little wordy at times, as other reviewers have noted, but you get the sense of man with a great vocabulary, a brilliant mind, and a certain style of writing that shines with a genuine caring for people. In my opinion, chapter six alone is worth the price of the book. Through a series of letters written to an older widow, the author addresses the topic of depression and aging in a way that is tender, thoughtful and incredibly respectful of this woman's point of view. If you are a person facing the changes associated with aging yourself, or know of a friend or family member who may be having difficulty with some of the issues we will all face sooner or later, I highly recommend this book as a guide in shaping a realistic, yet positive outlook on the aging process.

I suppose all important things in life benefit from reflection, including aging. This book does a good job with erudite philosophical reflection. It uses a story-line approach to illustrate points, which most people appreciate, but which I find a bit annoying. But the price of purchase and the time invested in reading is paid back by one single chapter alone: the one on Aubrey de Grey, who is taking an engineer's approach to removing all causes of death, thereby extending mortality theoretically to infinity (seriously!) The author does not condone this, but the discussion is fascinating.

A nicely written and compassionate book by a doctor in his 70"s, however very heavy on anecdotal stories which I did not find particularly helpful. I was hoping for something a little more specific in terms of how to cope with getting older. Knowing that other people have breezed through it is not particularly helpful, though it can be inspiring.

As I have aged, there were times when I wondered, "Is this normal? Or is something wrong?" You can't get a straight answer from a doctor. If you know enough old people, you can do an informal survey to come to your own conclusion. Or you can read this book. I found the book refreshing, informative, and yes, even reassuring. It talks about How We Age -- what, why, and how the process happens to all of us who live long enough. But that is only the beginning, as there are excellent chapters about making choices, and for lack of a better description, how to age gracefully and get the most out of life. The latter is discussed with a view toward living an active life, followed by a short period of decline before death. There is so much useful information that, a year after reading this book, I am about to read it again just to refresh my memory. This should be required reading for anyone on the high side of 50, or for anyone who loves someone on the high side of 50.

Like he did in How We Die, Sherwin Nuland brings not only his experience and expertise to The Art of Aging, he brings his wisdom and insight. Nuland's writing style is also extraordinary and some passages are almost like meditations. The one I like best starts on page 9 and ends at the top of page 11. If you are one of us "of a certain age", you owe it to yourself to read this book.

My girl friend was bartending at Dr Nuland's seminar. She told me about the the seminar and the Dr's comments and his book. What she sharedd with me was so interesting, I went out and purchased the book, and so far so good. As we start to get older we really need to keep ourselves active not only mentally but physically. Travel and love life!

Dr. Nuland has authored an excellent guide to extending ones life. At first glance, I thought this book would offer substantial how to guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other physical life extending practices. I was pleased to discover that Dr. Nuland explores a wide array of discoveries concerned with the social practices that truly make one "alive". Chief among these life giving/extending practices, are the intrinsic rewards offered to those who, in some way, live for the benefit of others. My heart resonated with the stories of people who by serving others have found purpose and therefore life. This book makes a great birthday gift for anyone who is on or is beginning his or her later life journey. It causes one to reflect on the fascinating adventures that could be in store for those who ponder the possibilities of an extraordinary purpose filled life.

A positive view of the second half of your life. Helpful in understanding the changes we go through in every stage of life.

A few changes to lifestyle can have a positive affect on your lifespan. Highly recommended!

A bit long winded at times, but nevertheless a wise read. I am already putting most of it in action before reading this book and am pleased that this confirms that I am on the right track. This is not a book about anti ageing, but how to age with vitality, which I coach people on and write about myself. At the age of 71 I can say that putting the contents of this book, that is, being in the right mindset, is the way to go if you want to age and die healthily.

There are few books on this subject and this stands out above them. It is very well written in an easy flowing style that makes this a good read despite the subject. It is a hopeful book and much better than the author's one on dying which had the opposite effect. I have given it four stars because it is a little dates in some of the research on aging that has recently been discovered but this is of course not the fault of the author when he wrote the book.

This is a very informative book on a subject that is important to people of all ages , since reading it I have told many friends and family abouti it,.It is well written by someone who has many years experience of his subject ,personally and professionally one of the best books I have ready.I intend to read more of his books.

Loved the examples author used to encourage us old folks to keep on living and loving life.