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53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wisdom, honesty and good judgement about how to live longer, January 3, 2000
Our former president has written a tidy little paperback that made the New York Times best-seller list. The title though, makes you wonder: How can there be any virtue in aging? The author thought a lot about "Virtue" in the title too. He had a reason for using the word. It went like this: "Older people have accumulated wisdom, and wisdom is the ability to exercise good judgement about important but uncertain matters in life." He says: "I'm old, but it's good." Tongue-in-cheek, he also points out "It's nicer now that our children have (more nearly) reached our age." Whatever your politics, you are taken by the honesty, good judgement and inherent wisdom of our former president. It shines through. Writing on democracy, philosopher Lyhman Bryson said: "The purpose of a democratic society is to make great persons...a democratic way" of doing anything is a way that best keeps and develops the intrinsic powers of men and women." And so it has for Mr. Carter. He has a useful message on aging (a process you can't escape; it happens to all of us if we're lucky)...and, as author Carter says: "Consider the alternative." So when are we old? Each of us is old when we think we are; when we have an attitude of dependency, restricted physical and mental activity We are old when we have severely limited our contacts with others. Surprisingly, this is not particularly related to the number of years we've lived. As we get older, We should feel that life is expanding, not contracting. It isn't true that health declines as we grow older if we make a conscious effort to maintain a program of diet, exercise, and control over our own affairs, strong ties with others, and a purpose in life. Not long ago, the Carter Center sponsored a health conference attended by 120 worldwide health experts. They concluded that two-thirds of our physical ailments and premature deaths are caused by our lifestyle. They can be delayed or prevented with good health habits. Here is a summary of their advice: -Don't smoke -Maintain recommended body weight -Exercise regularly -Don't eat foods high in cholesterol, saturated fat, sugar, salt -Use booze moderately; don't drink and drive -Fasten seat belts -Remove handguns from home -Have regular medical exams & bloodpressure tests. Two other crucial factors came out: (1) Have a purpose in life (2) maintain quality relationships with others. Take on almost any tasks you find interesting and challenging. Don't be too cautious. Take a chance. If you wait for perfect conditions you will lead a diminished life. So sayeth author Carter. A fast read and well worth your time if you want to hang around for a while.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Quick Read - well written, April 24, 1999
This review is from: The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought) (Paperback)
No extraneous words were left in this manuscript. It is probably the best written book I have ever read. I usually fall asleep while reading or never finish the book. This one had me pulled over in shaded parking lots with the engine running and air conditioner on until I finished. As a 47 year old, I think what he has to say is wise and practical. Highly recommend it.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Feel Good Book on Aging, March 9, 2003
This review is from: The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought) (Paperback)
Jimmy Carter writes as if he were having one of his presidential fireside chats. His writing is clear, friendly, and very readable, as always. He gives the reader a look into his world with his poignant writing style.
In his book "The Virtues of Aging", Jimmy Carter takes the reader through the maze of events that transpire as men and women go through the transition from aging adults to senior citizens. Carter writes of his own transition from president of the United States to a (not so) private citizen. How he felt at his sudden unemployment:
"I was just fifty-six years old when I was involuntarily retired from my position in the White House. What made losing the job even worse was that it was a highly publicized event, with maybe half of the people in the world knowing about my embarrassing defeat ".
Carter writes honestly and openly of his rude awakening into the ranks of senior citizenship, his close encounter with bankruptcy, the fear of losing the family business and property that has been in his family for generations, and ultimately his fortunate financial recovery. Carter describes the importance of an open mind for success in role transition and steps to take to prevent an identity crisis from occurring, such as the importance of family, friends, goals and hobbies in creating successful identity continuity. He discusses the absolute significance of health care for the elderly and the lack of such care for the impoverished elderly in the United States.
Jimmy Carter gives the reader suggestions on how to prepare for retirement and aging- the economics, emotions, and physical aspects (health wise) of aging. He also understands that most young adults do not think about their later years until they are there. He covers the emotional support he received and continues to receive and give to his wife Rosalyn Carter during the difficult periods he went through before and at the end of his presidency and right into senior citizenship. Carter describes the feelings of wanting to get closer to his adult children, grandchildren and Rosalyn. Jimmy Carter covers some important facts and statistics that directly or indirectly concern the elderly and retired.
The clear message in this book is that entering the ranks of senior citizenship need not be a harrowing experience, but a virtuous new stage of life. "The Virtues of Aging" should be read by the young as well as those aging individuals who are planning or who have not begun to plan for retirement and/or their senior years.
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