Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old

A Highly Judgmental, Unapologetically Honest Accounting of All the Things Our Elders Are Doing Wrong

De: Steven Petrow

Narrado por: Michael Butler Murray

Soon after his 50th birthday, Steven Petrow began assembling a list of "things I won't do when I get old" - mostly a catalog of all the things he thought his then 70-something-year-old parents were doing wrong. That list became the basis of this rousing collection of dos and don'ts, wills and won'ts that is equal parts hilarious, honest, and practical.

The fact is, we don't want to age the way previous generations did. "Old people" hoard. They bore relatives - and strangers alike - with tales of their aches and pains. They insist on driving long after they've become a danger to others (and themselves). They eat dinner at four p.m. They swear they don't need a cane or walker (and guess what happens next). They never, ever apologize. But there is another way....

In Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old, Petrow candidly addresses the fears, frustrations, and stereotypes that accompany aging. He offers a blueprint for the new old age and an understanding that aging and illness are not the same. As he writes, "I meant the list to serve as a pointed reminder - to me - to make different choices when I eventually cross the threshold to 'old.'" Getting older is a privilege. This essential guide reveals how to do it with grace, wisdom, humor, and hope. And without hoarding.

©2021 Steven Petrow (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Read this every six months

At 63 years of age, it is imperative that I read/listen to this book every six months as a good reminder in establishing a good way to live my life to the full and not to discomfort the folks I love around me in the process!

Reflection of my own life

I laughed and cried through the book which could have been me and my siblings’ story as we tried to help our parents “age in place”! I too had a list of things I won’t do when I get old and now I’ll add to that list 😏

Should be required reading at age 60

Better than I expected. Humorous but excellent advice and insights. I’ve been recommending it to friends.

Eye Opener to Aging

I like how this book goes from being funny and you can't help but laugh and eye roll to what they are saying to having compassion for those who are older. I'm in my late 30s and this has given me a better perspective of what my parents are going through and how I can be more patient with them. And more patient to my grandparents. I want planning on having a life lesson with this but I did and I'm so happy I found this book.

Poignant and On Point!

Steven captured so many aspects of life particularly for gay men in their sixties like myself. There were so many parallels and “Yes!” moments. His ability and honesty to write about so many personal aspects of his life are refreshing and relatable. And yes, there is both validation, guidance, and even permission to have thoughts like these. “Yes, you’re okay.” Thanks, Mr. Petrow.