Customer Reviews

Enjoy Old Age: A Practical Guide

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Whatever you think of behaviorism, or Skinner's other works, this book is an admirable effort, and his approach to old age can be profitably adapted by those of any age. Skinner takes a clear-eyed look at how to alter one's environment -- one's home, one's habits, developed over a lifetime but often suboptimal for the person one has become -- to minimize inconveniences and maximize enjoyment.

I first read this book in my early 20s, and I was profoundly struck by Skinner's pragmatic assessment of his circumstances and his focus on making positive steps to improve his life.

[Incidentally, I shared an elevator ride with Skinner around the time this book came out (before I had read it) -- we didn't talk, but he scowled at me.]

Anybody could have written this book; it's simply common sense. It tells you that you might have vision problems, you might have hearing problems, you might forget people's names, etc. I did not learn ONE SINGLE THING from this book. I'm leaving this feedback because somebody else's positive feedback enticed me into buying it. Waste of time - if you want the book I'll give it to you!

When he was almost 80 years old Skinner, the creator of behaviourism, decided to share with us his wisdom about old age.

This is a very useful book for people approaching old age, or for those who have to deal with old people.