The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly

Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You

By: Margareta Magnusson

Narrated by: Natascha McElhone

Length: 3 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times bestselling author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning—now a TV series developed by Amy Poehler and Scout Productions—a book of humorous and charming advice for embracing life and aging joyfully.

In her international bestseller The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Margareta Magnusson introduced the world to the Swedish tradition of döstädning, or “death cleaning”—clearing out your unnecessary belongings so others don’t have to do it for you. Now, unburdened by (literal and emotional) baggage, Magnusson is able to focus on what makes each day worth living. In her new book she reveals her discoveries about aging—some difficult to accept, many rather wondrous. She reflects on her idyllic childhood on the west coast of Sweden, the fullness of her life with her husband and five children, and learning how to live alone. Throughout, she offers advice on how to age gracefully, such as: wear stripes, don’t resist new technology, let go of what doesn’t matter, and more.

As with death cleaning, it’s never too early to begin. The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly shows all readers how to prepare for and understand the process of growing older and the joys and sorrows it can bring. While Magnusson still recommends decluttering (your loved ones will thank you!), her ultimate message is that we should not live in fear of death but rather focus on appreciating beauty, connecting with our loved ones, and enjoying our time together.

Wise, funny, and eminently practical, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly is a gentle and welcome reminder that, no matter your age, there are always fresh discoveries ahead, and pleasures both new and familiar to be encountered every day.

©2022 Margareta Magnusson (P)2023 Canongate Books Limited. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“. . . This gem of an audio is meant to be savored . . . Throughout it all, Natascha McElhone’s intimate delivery creates a cozy, just-between-friends atmosphere. VERDICT Magnusson’s wisdom combined with McElhone’s narration is an unbeatable combination. Recommend widely to listeners looking to embrace the aging process while enjoying every bit of goodness along the way.” (Sarah Hashimoto)

Lovely and wise!

The voice of the speaker is just a joy to listen to. The stories and wisdom are both interesting and insightful. I listened during a lazy Saturday, doing chores in my kitchen, and time flew by. So worth the listen.

Beautiful, humorous and wise

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly, written by Margareta Magnusson, is a book that weaves together wisdom, humor, and heartfelt anecdotes to create an enchanting exploration of embracing the golden years.

Magnusson’s storytelling prowess shines through every page, capturing readers’ attention from the very first sentence. Her ability to paint vivid pictures with words transports us to the serene landscapes of Sweden, immersing us in the cultural fabric and timeless traditions that contribute to the art of aging joyfully.

As a reader, I found myself deeply engaged in the stories and experiences shared by Magnusson. Each chapter unfolds like a captivating conversation with a wise and caring friend, leaving us both entertained and enlightened.

What sets Magnusson apart as a storyteller is her knack for infusing humor and lightheartedness into the heavy subject of aging and death. She effortlessly navigates the delicate balance between addressing the realities of getting older and embracing the inherent joys and opportunities that come with it. Her wit and warmth make the journey all the more delightful, reminding us that aging is not to be feared but embraced with a twinkle in our eye.

Death is not a dirty word

I agree wholeheartedly with everything in this delightful memoir/instructional book. The stories, insights and cultural references are treasures I will revisit time and again. Praise for Margareta. She is a gem.

I enjoy Mrs. Magnusson's writing very much

As I am in my 60s her content is quite relevant to my life. I wish she had written her books 20 or 30 years ago so I could have avoided the need for death cleaning. I also didn't have good examples of aging exuberantly. I would have loved to have shared this with my Nana. Unfortunately, I don't have children to whom leave my stuff so there's no need to hold on to excess. Mrs. Magnusson offers up ways to be gentle with oneself while going through the changes that come with aging. Thank you for this book.

Fun and educational

I liked her Swedish cultural perspectives. I laughed at her funny memories. I am glad to learn from the author that my soul mate and I have already done much of our death cleaning and are enjoying a more easy care lifestyle. 😊

Enjoyed get to know the author

It was a pleasant book, to walk down memory lane, with the author. I enjoyed listening to her fond memories and learned a little bit along the way.

Made me think from the beginning

Loved her sarcasm and sense of humor throughout. Life can either be super serious or we can laugh at the ridiculous things we do. Her ideas of death cleaning are more about getting “organized” and going through an emotional journey, rather than death itself. I found the book to be delightful and the audio book even more so because of the cute Swedish accent of the reader.

I absolutely LOVED this book!

As someone whose parents have both recently passed away, I am dedicated to doing a better job of preparing myself for the inevitable so that my family can benefit from that effort, in both how I live and die. Also, having an elder role model like Magareta, is inspiring. I want the last third or so of my life to be exuberant and mindful, and this book is such a bright guiding light in that regard!

Delightful

This is like spending an afternoon in a space with kindness, enjoying a life review with a delightful woman.

Lovely, listen!

Listening to this author is like gaining a new intimate friend, who feels like a lifelong friend.Memorable! Unique! Beautiful listen!