The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought) (Paperback)

by Jimmy Carter (Author)
Key Phrases: Social Security, The Carter Center, Friendship Force (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
When Jimmy Carter left the White House in 1981, he and his wife, Rosalynn, had to face the same questions many elder Americans encounter when retirement approaches: "How could we accommodate the unpleasant circumstances that had been forced on us? What were our assets and abilities? What were the dependable factors in a good life, and how could we recognize and develop them? Was it at all possible for us to be as satisfied in the future as we had been during some of our most interesting, adventurous, and successful times? Did we have anything much to offer in the years ahead?" In the years since, both Carters have become internationally recognized for their work as authors, teachers, and humanitarians, but as Carter amiably insists in The Virtues of Aging, you don't need to be a former president (or first lady) to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. He urges older Americans to take charge of their lives--by staying active, whether it's through volunteerism or indulgence in personal recreation; by relying on oneself as much as possible; by getting involved with others; and by putting one's affairs in order with an honest self-awareness of the inevitability that even the richest, most rewarding life comes to a close. Like all the books in the Library of Contemporary Thought series, this is a fairly short tome, but it lives up to the best in the series--such as Pete Hamill's News Is a Verb or Seymour Hersh's Against All Enemies--by presenting readers with something to ponder on just about every page. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
When President Carter's 1980 electoral defeat brought involuntary retirement, at age 56, from his position at the White House, he had no set plans for the future. According to this sprightly essay, he and wife Rosalynn, now in their 70s, have continued to lead full, active, productive lives because of their willingness to explore new commitments, their abiding refusal to be mentally dormant. Besides serving at the Carter Center in Atlanta?which they established to help negotiate peace agreements, to monitor elections in emerging democracies and to assist the elderly and mentally ill?the Carters are both university professors, and they roll up their sleeves to build at least one house per year for needy families. Further, claims the former president, they run three miles a day, take 15-mile cross-country bike rides and their sex life is "more complete and enjoyable" than ever. Carter dispenses sage advice on how older people can fashion an interesting and challenging life, strengthen interpersonal relations, maintain good health and face death with equanimity. While most of this counsel is not especially original and occasionally veers toward the platitudinous, he fleshes out his prescriptions with practical tips and pertinent examples of friends, relatives and associates who have remained productive. There are some remarkably intimate moments, as when Carter shares cathartic free verse that enabled him to face his ambivalent relationship with his father, or when he discusses the compromises that contributed to the success of his 52-year marriage. (Oct.) FYI: A volume in the Library of Contemporary Thought series.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345425928
• ISBN-13: 978-0345425928
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #352,845 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 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

By	James L. Grubb "[e-mail]" (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought) (Hardcover)

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.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Quick Read - well written, April 24, 1999

By	Mabyn Shingleton (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

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.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Feel Good Book on Aging, March 9, 2003

By	Edward P. Matos "edmatos52" (Laredo, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.