Embracing Elderhood: The Three Stages of Healthy, Happy, and Meaningful Senior Years

Undeniably, growing old is challenging; the physical pain and emotional angst are unrelenting. The tendency is to think there is nothing left to live for; no point in defying the unforgiving mortality chart. Embracing Elderhood offers an alternative to the pessimism that leads to ‘dying before we die!’ It loudly proclaims, being old is about chronology; being an Elder is about attitude. The book is a genuine contribution to the narrative about aging, redefining the concept of Elderhood by asking and answering three important questions. Why am I here? With our lives well past the halfway point, we gain perspective, recognizing how childhood and chance predetermined the role we play in life. Now the question becomes, ‘going forward, is this how I want to live my life?’ The task is to exorcise the shame and regret of the past, finding forgiveness in your heart and redefining your relationship to family, money, society and your inner truth. Why am I still here? We move from the corner office to a corner of the den, reduced in stature by a youth obsessed society, often burdened by illness and personal loss. We struggle to find a reason to get out of bed in the morning that is more significant than still another round of golf. Elders find motivation and purpose by making the behavioral change from self-service to being of-service, using their life’s experiences as social service, making a positive difference in the lives of others. Why was I here? After we have passed, will our loved ones remember us kindly? Will we have made a positive difference in people’s lives? It’s now or never to do what remains to be done and to finally confront any unresolved issues. We are the sages, the teachers, the philosophers with the perspective that only comes with age. But we must speak out. As elders we have an elemental responsibility to teach others and share our gifts.

About the Author :
Howard Englander is an author, workshop leader and LifeCoach. Still active at age ninety, his essays point to the transformative shift from simply tolerating life to celebrating life. He and his therapist wife, Arlene, are the authors of The In-Sourcing Handbook: Where and How to Find the Happiness You Deserve and Living with Love and Light,a practical guide to personal fulfillment. Howard is the author of Cheating Death: How to add years of joy and meaning to life. Recently completed and scheduled for publication in early 2024 is a collection of short stories entitled Adventures of Old People. Howard’s essays appear frequently on Age Wise, his online blog. He is the founder and editor of the “Senior News Daily,” an online digital newspaper for active seniors.

Review :
Longevity is an extraordinary social achievement that, alas, creates profound challenges for everyone fortunate enough to experience it. In this wise, lucid, beautiful book, Howard Englander charts the journey from adulthood to old age, pointing out the perils but also highlighting the possibilities for living well. Every page of Embracing Elderhood is a gift. With a story teller’s art, using engaging accessible prose, Howard Englander guides us through the remarkable challenges and possibilities of the last stages of life, from the startling realization that you are kind of old to taking your final breath. Packed with usable insights founded in sound psychological and spiritual principles and practice, Englander gives us his gift, a book that shows us, step by step, how to reach the unexpected gifts of elderhood. Are you prepared to enjoy your elder years and live life to the fullest? The book Embracing Elderhood: The Three Stages of Healthy, Happy, and Meaningful Senior Years is the only resource you need. Howard Englander, the writer of this insightful book, offers practical suggestions and inspiring stories on how to live your best life as you grow older. With motivational stories, this book addresses the mind, body, and soul to help you age gracefully and according to your own terms.