The Wonder of Aging

A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty

By: Michael Gurian

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of The Wonder of Boys offers a holistic and uplifting look at the emotional, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions of aging - and how to celebrate life after 50.

The years after 50 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 audiobook 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 50 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 50 and beyond.

The Wonder of Aging divides the second half of life into three stages: the Age of Transformation, from our late 40s to around 60; the Age of Distinction, from 60 to 75; 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 audiobook gives you the tools to revel in them to the fullest.

©2013 Michael Gurian (P)2013 Brilliance

Life-changing!

I was surprised and relieved to learn so many of my own personal/emotional/relational issues were part of the normal aging process! I appreciated the author telling the reader to be aware his stages of aging are not to be hard-and-fast, but guidelines. I loved the optimism expressed throughout the book.

The narrator was perfect for this book. I plan to look for more books narrated by Nick Podehl, as well as more books by Michael Gurian.

I learned so much from this audio book I bought the paperback to read & underline the helpful advice after my husband reads it. (This book has already helped me understand what he is going through.) I convinced my two best friends to buy a copy so we can discuss it. I am also ordering extra copies for the library at the senior center.

So much is covered in this book, but I was particularly moved by "Eva's Song."

🌹A Really Authentic & Uplifting Read on Gaining Years🌹

What a refreshing surprise to come across this book on the GIFT of gaining many years of life!
This book is very educational as well as very raw and personal regarding all topics in the various stages of aging. Thank You!🤗

Insightful and helpful

If you could sum up The Wonder of Aging in three words, what would they be?

A must read - for those approaching 50 years of age.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I saw a lot of myself in the characterisations of my age group and found that reassuring. I feel less like I am doing life alone.

Any additional comments?

It is often said that life begins at 40. At 50 everyone should get this book, read it and hang on to it. There is a lot of insight into ones self as well as others that will help negotiate growing up once life starts.