Viola B. Mecke, Ph.D., ABPP

Wise words for aging wisely, by author Viola B. Mecke

Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years is a book targeted at older adults, about the authors’ own experience of growing older and as a practicing clinical psychologist. The book is divided into two parts, with thirteen chapters. The first part of the book discusses life and aging, and the passage of time from the ages of fifty to sixty-five and the beginning period of the loss of youthfulness, right through to the ages of eighty-five plus, and the ‘final curtain call’. The second part of the book discusses how to age wisely through physical activity and exercise, a positive mindset, gratitude and resilience, stress management, good self-esteem and positive relationships with others. The author explores issues of love and loss, change and uncertainty.

Eighty-five-year-old author, Mecke, draws on her own personal feelings and experiences of ageing, and her professional experience as a clinical psychologist to help people age wisely and deal with the many stressors that aging brings. She discusses many of the myths associated with ageing and demonstrates the strengths of older senior citizens.  The book will help readers to understand their own strengths to live a more fulfilled life in later years.

Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years is a valuable resource for those who are in the later years of life, or those approaching older age. It will also be beneficial for others who might be supporting or caring for a parent, friend or family member in older age.

This is a deeply personal book by author Mecke, who lays bare her personal experience of ageing. Older adults are often overlooked in society, and it was great to hear first-hand about Mecke’s life and personal journey. As a reader in the intended target age range, I found this book incredibly insightful and impactful.  With plenty of practical advice and guidance, the book will help others to maintain a high quality of life in older age.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone impacted by aging (all of us at some point!). Beautifully written, and easy to read, this book was a pleasure to read.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: A valuable resource for those who are in the later years of life, or those approaching older age, and their caregivers.