The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty

Bestselling author and counselor Michael Gurian offers a comprehensive look at the emotional, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions of aging&;and how to celebrate life after fifty.

The New York Times bestselling 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 fifty. The years after fifty 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 book 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 fifty 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 fifty and beyond. The Wonder of Aging divides the second half of life into three stages: the Age of Transformation, from our late forties to around sixty; the Age of Distinction, from sixty to seventy-five; 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 book gives you the tools to revel in them to the fullest.

"This book is an impressive achievement and a must read for anyone who is over fifty, caring for or caring about someone over fifty---and the rest of us who hope to reach our fifties and beyond both enlightened by modern science and touched by the magnificent grace of empathy."--William S. Pollack, PH

"Michael Gurian explores new territory in The Wonder of Aging by combining patient stories and experiences from his rich professional and personal lives to create an authentic and insightful work. In his terrific new book, Michael does what he does best....exploring the depth of the human spirit."
--Nancy L Snyderman, M.D., NBC News Chief Medical Editor

"The Wonder of Aging is amazing in its scope and depth. It reflects an enormous amount of work and insight. The practical parts of the book help us do what we need to do to live well. The prayerful parts of the book elicit a sense of gratefulness as we move through the stages of age. I highly recommend this book!"--Rabbi Henry Glazer, author of I Thank Therefore I Am

"The Wonder of Aging is both a practical and spiritual journey. For those of us working to enhance men's health, the book is very welcome--it has specific sections applicable to both women and men. I highly recommend this book to anyone fifty or older, and even those of you getting close!"--Ronald K. Henry, President, The Men's Health Network

"Every time you open a Michael Gurian book, you know you are in for an adventure. Michael's powerful new book, The Wonder of Aging, is no exception. As he has done in all of his books, Michael uses his expertise, practical experience, and heart to open us up to the wonder of who we are becoming. The Wonder of Aging provides a practical, spiritual, and inspirational primer for high impact living, geared to those of us speeding past 50 and beyond."
--Rev. Tim Wright, Pastor, Community of Grace Church, and author of Searching for Tom Sawyer

"This powerful book helps both women and men age gracefully. Michael's book is encouraging, well-researched and beautifully written. It is a practical guide to designing and living the second half of life with courage and fresh meaning. Read this book, and you will experience aging in a whole new way."--Gregory Jantz, Ph.D., Founder, the Center for Counseling and Health Resources, and Author of Overcoming Anxiety, Worry, and Fear

"In our ageist culture, you've got to love a book with the title The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to the Second Half of Life. Because here's the big secret that almost no one appreciates. Life really can get richer and better with age. You just have to approach it in the right frame of mind. And that is exactly what Gurian provides for all of us in this brilliant book."--Christiane Northrup "MD, author The Wisdom of Menopause "

"Michael Gurian is America's most passionate advocate for boys. In THE PURPOSE OF BOYS, Gurian creates a rich reading experience and a clear recipe for helping boys to find purpose in their lives."--Michael Thompson, Ph.D., author of It's a Boy! and coauthor of Raising Cain

"THE WONDER OF AGING is a very important book. It is filled with practical tips, solid science and stories that will inspire and motivate you. With 11,000 people turning 60 every day, we can no longer avoid talking about aging...so we might as well embrace it with wonder."--Daniel G. Amen, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Use Your Brain to Change Your Age

Praise for Michael Gurian's work

"THE MINDS OF BOYS is a gift to parents, teachers and anyone else involved in raising or nurturing boys. It is filled with cutting edge neuroscience, yet has the warmth of a wise professional."--Daniel Amen, MD, author of Making A Good Brain Great