Elsa's Own Blue Zone: America's Centenarian Sweetheart's Insights for Positive Aging and Living [Paperback]

Sharon Textor-Black (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Elsa's Own Blue Zone is about a beautiful, strong and active centenarian who defies the stereotypes of age as an astounding example of positive aging and positive living. Her inspiring insights include and go further than the basics of healthful habits. Elsa's Own Blue Zone provides answers to the constant questioning as to what her secrets are. In addition, the author is a Baby Boomer who expounds upon these valuable insights in an entertaining way to appeal to Boomers and Seniors alike for more fulfilling living.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I'm a big believer that we need heroes and role models--especially role models to show us how to live well into our hundreds. When I interviewed Elsa Hoffmann by phone for my podcast, Ageless Lifestyles, I was impressed with how she listened and answered the questions I asked as opposed to rehearsed questions or whatever was on her mind.. She instantly became one of my heroes. You cannot find a better role model of a vital, life embracing centenarian. What does she model? She loves life and loves people. Her greatest joy is making others happy and helping people connect with other people and enjoy themselves. She is cheerful, friendly and primarily focused on the present. She isn't afraid to live alone, drive, or tackle technology like her cell phone. Hardly a prima donna who has others taking care of her, on the day I called she had been busy ironing. The only reason it might be hard to meet her is that you have to catch her--she's always off to one event to another. She knows to prime the pump by exercising, meditating, and getting enough rest. She knows not to dwell on problems but to either deal with a problem or let it go. When I asked her about the greatest adversities in her life, she had a hard time coming up with any. While many people are petrified of public speaking, she was happy to talk to her great granddaughter's class for over an hour. Cards, cruises, parties, balls--bring it on. She likes all kinds of music, likes fashion, and loves parties and people. In short, she has a love affair with life." --Dr. Michael Brickey, Award Winning Author of "Defy Aging" and "52 Baby Steps to Grow Young"

Review

"An inspiration and role model for living long and living well, Elsa's life has been successful, fulfilling and happy, with her golden years 'like sparkling diamonds!' Her positive attitude plays a major role. On the go, beautifully dressed, she sets an example by taking good care of herself, and her sense of humor makes for delightful company.. She loves a party and enjoys making others happy; the song "Cabaret" comes to mind -- I want to be like Elsa!"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Morgan James Publishing (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600375790
• ISBN-13: 978-1600375798
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,073,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sharon Textor-Black embodies a lifelong interest in writing and of seeking the best philosophies to live by. These two passions collided as her grandmother Elsa Brehm Hoffmann, whom Sharon is very close to, became a national celebrity at age 100. All who meet, or even just hear about stunning and active Elsa, want to know as much as they can about her positive aging and positive living philosophies. Seeing how Elsa was such an inspiring role model for others motivated Sharon. The author wanted to spread the "secrets" Elsa uses that people constantly are inquiring about. The book became an invitation and guidebook for people to live more joyously. Elsa's desire to make at least one person happier everyday would be compounded beyond her wildest dreams with this project.

It all started as Elsa approached 100 years of age in 2007. Sharon soon found herself immersed in writing copy about Elsa. It began with various local print media and a centenarian website. Then requests came in directly from ABC. Sharon even arranged for Elsa to speak to a very enthusiastic elementary school audience of youngsters. Elsa was interviewed by Barbara Walters on the blockbuster April 2008 longevity special entitled "How to Live to 150 - Can You Do It?" Dr. Michael Brickey interviewed Elsa on his podcast in August 2008 and spring of 2009. Mrs. Hoffmann is also featured on the Adler Centenarians website, Inspire Me Today website, Voice of America with Lynn Adler, JD and Dr. Perls, and honors have been presented to her from three southeastern Florida cities. You can see photos and videos of Elsa on the Elsa's Own Blue Zone book website.

The author's prior years of documenting family stories, writing some news articles related to positive aging, and even publishing some poetry, were a mere warm-up for the whirlwind Elsa stirred up. As several of these media contacts encouraged Sharon to write more, she made the decision to put it all in book form. She quite naturally took on the task of sharing Elsa's insights to the delight of Elsa's fans, and for all those seeking a "real person" example of positive aging and living. Whereas longevity is often studied in primitive locations, this book is especially insightful because it concentrates on living well and long within the joys and challenges of our modern world.

Holding a B.A. in English from Rutgers College of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Sharon was well-prepared to use the skills learned from there. In addition, she is a Baby Boomer who can easily incorporate how Elsa's philosophies can help this age group in addition to Seniors. The author hopes to not only inspire people with Elsa's example, but bring to light more respect and attention to our invaluable seniors. Just as we seem to know more about the moon than our deep seas when concentrating on both would be optimal, Sharon's hope is that we not only continue to expand our knowledge of other lands and peoples, but share in understanding, knowledge and love within our American multi-generations.

Sharon worked for almost 20 years in large corporations in the NY and NJ area, but she also held sales jobs in such diverse places as a spa and water park/ski resort. Although some of her corporate jobs were quite fulfilling, such as a Service Specialist at Merrill Lynch in NJ and as part of the Northeast Distribution Center Management Team at Baxter Healthcare in NY, Sharon is most happy now owning and operating a business with her husband Mike in South Florida.

Concentrating on career first, from college graduation through most of her thirties, is something many Boomers can relate to. Sharon did not marry until her late 30's. At 40, she and her husband Mike started a new business from scratch. At 44, Sharon and Mike adopted two beautiful little girls. She has not let her age deter her from plans others may see as reserved for those years younger. One can see how Elsa's extraordinary example has definitely enhanced Sharon's life in big ways.

The author's work was obviously inspired by her grandmother Elsa, however there is more. Sharon's uses her own personal stories from family, the adoptions of her children, the workplace, and additional strategies she studied from great luminaries of our time to compliment Elsa's insights. In addition, no book by a "Boomer" would be complete without some real life humor, so that's all in there, too.

Seniors and Boomers alike will relate to this work, learning more positive living and positive aging strategies along the way. As we all continue to live longer, these philosophies become more and more vital to our happiness. Let Elsa's 100 years of fulfilling living delight and inspire you!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice tribute to Elsa and her family....however....., August 2, 2010

By 

Babyboomer Bentley - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elsa's Own Blue Zone: America's Centenarian Sweetheart's Insights for Positive Aging and Living (Paperback)

Elsa's Own Blue Zone by Sharon Textor-Black (her grand-daughter) is a nice tribute to Elsa and her family. Even though it does contain some insights for positive aging and living I was disappointed because much of the book is based on a family that has money and many of the suggestions cannot be implemented by the everyday American senior who is on a fixed-income. I could quote many exerts from the book that depict my statements but there are just too many and I tired of reading them (and looking at way too many family pictures) and feeling annoyed that everyday Americans just don't have the available funds to live as this family does. The book is something that their family probably treasures and understandably so. However, I did not learn much except how people with money and a positive attitude carry on with their lives. Unless you are related to this family or friends of this family - I suggest you save your money.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Role Model for Living Well Into Your Hundreds, April 29, 2010

By 

Dr. Michael Brickey (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elsa's Own Blue Zone: America's Centenarian Sweetheart's Insights for Positive Aging and Living (Paperback)

If you want to live a long, healthy life, get some centenarian role models. If you want a centenarian role model who knows how to enjoy life and have fun, top of the list is Elsa Hoffmann. Her granddaughter wrote a biography of Ms Hoffman that gives a good flavor of how ebullient she is. At 101, she manages her own apartment, does her own cooking and ironing, drives, and has a rich social life.

What makes Elsa such a vital person at 101? The genetic lottery probably accounts for about 25% of her success. Other factors include:

* There are hundreds of studies that indicate optimists live longer, healthier, happier lives. Elsa is an absolute master at optimism. While her granddaughter sees Elsa's childhood as Prussian, Elsa sees it as great lessons in discipline and attention to detail. While Elsa wanted to be a teacher, she sees her father's insistence on business school having served her very well.

* One of the most difficult challenges in living a long life is dealing with the death of friends and family. Even the death of her son and her beloved husband didn't throw her for very long. She has a view of death that it is a natural event and leads to an even better place. Further, for those who are suffering in pain, as her son did, it is a reprieve from suffering.

* She has a sense of purpose. Her purpose is to draw others out, help people connect, and help people feel better. For a couple of decades she and her (now deceased) husband ran a resort in Florida. It was a place where no one was a stranger and guests gathered around the piano for singing. Nothing makes her happier than to connect people. If that weren't purpose enough, she has always done a lot of charitable and funding raising.

* She has a wide variety of interests and activities--including travel, cards, baking, and reading. The variety helps keep the interests fresh and by having a variety if one activity becomes unavailable, she has several others to keep life enjoyable.

* She takes care of herself, with eating well, walking, getting good health care, and being prudent with money. She finds dressing well and always looking good helps her feel good about herself and shows respect to others.

You can stream or download my (free) 50-minute podcast interview with Elsa Hoffman and her granddaughter biographer at []

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Elsa's own blue zone, July 18, 2009

By 

Linda L. Herbert (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elsa's Own Blue Zone: America's Centenarian Sweetheart's Insights for Positive Aging and Living (Paperback)

Found the book to be very inspiring. I think it is so profoundly awesome for a granddaughter to write a book filling in her experiences along w/ her grandmother's. Through my reading of this book, I have learned to look at life's challenges differently. Definitely worth reading.