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THE WONDER OF AGING

Michael Gurian

A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty

Bestselling author and counselor Michael Gurian offers a comprehensive look at the emotional, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions of aging—and how to celebrate life after fifty.
The years after fifty are generally discussed in terms of health: what are the physical symptoms that come with advancing age, and what can we do about them? The Wonder of Aging goes beyond these topics to serve as both a spiritual, meditative guide and a practical exploration of the emotional and psychological dimensions of the second half of life.
This profound book looks at aging as something positive, life-giving, and miraculous. In his characteristically accessible and moving prose, family therapist Michael Gurian shows how we become elders. The world needs our wisdom, he argues, and he shows us how to develop and share it. Called “the people’s philosopher” for his ability to apply scientific ideas to our ordinary lives, Gurian sees life after fifty as an enormously fruitful, exciting, and fulfilling time. Drawing on groundbreaking research in neuroscience as well as anecdotes from his many clients over the last two decades, he goes beyond the physical-centered view of aging to present a new, holistic paradigm that embraces the soul-enriching opportunities of fifty and beyond.

The Wonder of Aging divides the second half of life into three stages: the Age of Transformation, from our late forties to around sixty; the Age of Distinction, from sixty to seventy-five; and the Age of Completion, which involves the final stage of our journey. Discussing topics such as sex, how men and women age differently, the effects of aging on the brain, grandparenting, living with purpose, and what to expect in your last chapter, Gurian also provides meditations and exercises to help you design your present and future.
Written with Gurian’s courageously optimistic outlook on life, The Wonder of Aging is a comprehensive and comforting road map of what to expect in the second half of your life—and how to celebrate it. The elder years can be a journey into something richer and deeper, full of hope and meaning rather than a sense of fate, and this book gives you the tools to revel in them to the fullest.

Michael Gurian is a social philosopher, certified mental health counselor in private practice, and the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five books. He co-founded the Gurian Institute in 1996 and frequently speaks at and consults with corporations, physicians, hospitals, schools, and other professionals. Michael has taught at Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, and Ankara University. He lives with his wife Gail in Spokane, Washington.
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Book

Published 2013-06-01 by Atria

Book

Published 2013-06-01 by Atria

Comments

In our ageist culture, you've got to love a book with the title The Wonder of Aging. Because here's the big secret that almost no one appreciates. Life really can get richer and better with age. You just have to approach it in the right frame of mind. And that is exactly what Gurian provides for all of us in this brilliant book.

Both a practical and spiritual journey…. I highly recommend this book to anyone fifty or older, and even those of you getting close!

Filled with practical tips, solid science and stories that will inspire and motivate you. With 11,000 people turning 60 every day, we can no longer avoid talking about aging…so we might as well embrace it with wonder.

An impressive achievement and a must read for anyone who is over fifty, or caring for or caring about someone over fifty.

An engaging warning against a hopeless search for the fountain of youth.

An authentic and insightful work. In his terrific new book, Michael does what he does best....explores the depth of the human spirit.

Every time you open a Michael Gurian book, you know you are in for an adventure. The Wonder of Aging is no exception. Michael uses his expertise, practical experience, and heart to open us up to the wonder of who we are becoming and provide a practical, spiritual, and inspirational primer for high impact living.

This powerful book helps both women and men age gracefully. Encouraging, well-researched and beautifully written…read this book, and you will experience aging in a whole new way.

Amazing in its scope and depth...The practical parts of the book help us do what we need to do to live well. The prayerful parts of the book elicit a sense of gratefulness …I highly recommend this book!