Customer Reviews

The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought)

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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.

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.

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.

"The Virtues of Aging," by former United States President Jimmy Carter, is a down-to-earth nonfiction book about growing old gracefully. Carter mixes interesting statistics with autobiographical information and practical advice.

Carter discusses his work and experiences with a number of organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity. He also discusses the lives of people who made extraordinary accomplishments in their senior years. Carter doesn't shy away from sensitive topics, such as senior sexuality or preparing for one's own death.

One admirable characteristic of Carter's writing is that while it is informed by his own Christian faith, he is also respectful of other belief traditions. Overall, he writes like an unpretentious friend who is sharing his life experience and perspective. Throughout the book, his wife Rosalynn is a constant presence; you get a real sense of the solidity of that relationship.

Simple, plain, clear good advice enlived by personal example and story. This is a good book about aging wisely, retaining one's powers as best as one can through the senior years. Former President Carter involuntarily forced to retire at fifty- six faced a double - crisis , identity and financial. He almost lost the family land and farm, but was saved when his peanut holdings were bought by a large consortium. He and his wife Rosalyn became active in new ways, as university teachers, writers, volunteer builders of one home for a needy person each year.
The Carter recipe for enjoying old age involves remaining active, continuing to interact with others, exercising, avoiding the well- known evils of cigarettes and excess drinking.
Carter recognizes that not everyone has the prerogatives of a former President but he maintains that most of us have the resources to go on enjoying life in old age.
It seems to me Carter is a lot wiser in this work than he is in many of his political writings.
This is a good book and has valuable tips which should help towards graceful aging.

I'm in my mid-40's and found this book a facinating
look at older age. Carter busts the old stereotypes
about sitting in the rocking chair during retirement age and mentions numerous examples of friends and associates in the 70's and 80's who are living enormously productive lives. This book
gives me hope for the future. Even though my last 45 years were probably a little easier than my next 45 will, I find solace in the many examples of warm relationships maintained, hobbies developed and new challenges in later life. A whole-hearted endorsement for this book.

Carter is my favorite former US President.

The book also gave me a great curiousity to look at more information on the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Jeffrey McAndrew
broadcaster and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"1

THE VIRTUES OF AGING by Jimmy Carter
February 25, 2006

Amazon Rating: ****



In THE VIRTUES OF AGING, President Jimmy Carter writes about what a senior citizen can do to feel fulfilled and productive in ones last stage of life. As usual, he is quite candid as he writes about his own life, his marriage to Rosalyn, and recounts stories about his family and friends. I always enjoy reading Carter's non-fiction, as he always has some interesting anecdotes, as well as some wisdom-filled stories that he passes on to his readers. Carter never preaches, and I for one appreciate it. In fact, in this particular book he admits (at the end) that he tried to refrain from quoting much from the bible, as he felt it would detract from the topic. But since the church is a big part of his life, he did talk about his own participation with his church and did quote a few times in appropriate places as he discussed issues on aging.

I have to admit I'm rather biased because I have always admired the work Jimmy Carter has done since his presidency. Knowing about the good works he's done in the past few decades, I do not find it difficult at all to see that he's also left his mark in his writings. He's shared with the world what he has learned through his own past experiences as a son, a father, and grandfather, as well as Governor and President of the United States. I'm slowly collecting all of his books and so far have enjoyed what I have read. THE VIRTUES OF AGING was not as structured as some of his other books have been, but I don't think it was meant to be. It is a collection of thoughts and ramblings of aging gracefully, from his point of view.

Thank you Jimmy Carter. I have reached retirement age, am a woman who has raised three sons alone, worked since I was 15 and was feeling very useless and over the hill. Your book has inspired me and made me realize, much to my amazement, that the best is yet to come. Again, thank you Mr. President for your plain and simple words of encouragement and hope for those of us who thought our life was over. Your right to the point and thoughts have made me an eager retiree. Please keep writing and I'll keep reading....

I read through half the book while waiting at a doctor's office. President Carter has a wonderful, down-home attitude and emthusiasm for what aging has to offer. He has his own advice on how the later years can be meaningful and productive. I wound up giving my copy to the doctor when he finished and will order additional copies for relatives and friends.

This book is a must for all people 50 and older. Mr. Carter tells us all how it is possable to Live until the day we die, no matter how old your get.