Book List for Aging Well

Aging well includes maintaining the best possible quality of life as we grow older by adapting to physical and mental changes. Rather than focusing purely on looking younger, it is holistic approach aimed at sustaining independence, staying physically active, and finding purpose. The following is a list of books addressing lifespan, healthspan, and joyspan.

Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

Jennifer Breheny Wallace

JoySpan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half

Kerry Burnight, Ph.D

Eightysomethings; A practical guide to letting go, aging well and finding unexpected happiness

Kathrine Etsy

Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine and Reimagining Life

Louise Aronson

The Age-Proof Brain: Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity and Fight off Dementia

Marc Milstein, PhD

Women Rowing North:Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age

Mary Pipher

Keep Sharp: build a Better Brain at Any Age

Sanjay Gupta

The Well Lived Life: A 103 Year Old Doctor’s Six Secretes to Health and Happiness at Any Age

Gladys McGarey, MD

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longes Scientific Study of Happiness

Marc Schulz, Robert Waldinger, Marc Schulz Ph. D

Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents and what they mean to America’s Future

Jean  M.Twenge

Alive Until You’re Dead: Notes on the Home Stretch

Susan Moon

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

Atul Gawande

Dick Van Dyke An Optimists Guide to a Happy Life: 100 Rules for Living to 100

Dick Van Dyke

Making the Best of What’s Left: When We’re to Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered

Judith Viorst

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto against Ageism

Ashton Applewhite

SuperAgers:An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity

Dr. Eric Topol

The Measure of Our Age: Navigating Care, Safety, Money and Meaning Later in Life

M.T. Connolly

The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You

Margareta Magunssun

A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age Disrupt Aging

Jo Ann Jenkins

Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death and Living More Fully

Julie McFadden RN

Lifesspan:

Breaking the Age Code  Becca Levy PhD

Healthspan:

Blue Zones

I’ve Got Some Good News and Some Bad News: You’re Old

Tales of a Geriatrician What to Expect in Your 60’s, 70’s 80’s and Beyond

David Bernstein, M.D.

The Book About Getting Older (for people who don’t want to talk about it)

Lucy Pollock

The Golden Rule

Compassionate Guide to Aging Well, Caring for Loved Ones and Living Later Life with Confidence

Lucy Pollock