Our Shared Shelf discussion

Let's talk about inspiring seniors, aging gracefully, becoming functional centenarians, autonomy and elder care. Share your stories and creative solutions.

I highly recommend reading Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. It’s a great place to start regarding this topic.

Hello. I read "Being Mortal" a while back;it was our community book. I didn't take part in any discussions,tho. I guess I'd like some reason WHY I'd want to live to an advanced age. I'm 62 and don't even have health insurance. I live in an area where the health care is mediocre at best. Admittedly, they r busy w/opiod crisis & lots of folks' priority is gun rights! I'll continue to eat healthy (vegetarian 20+ yrs.), never smoked,get exercise,etc.

72 here, and i do my best to continue being me. my spirit is still 27, and that helps keep me doing what i'm able in spite of illness and generally slowing down. still, i got my first book published this year, which continues to keep me creative and constructive.

unfortunately, here in the u.s., the elderly aren't usually revered for their wisdom which can only come from life experience. that's very sad to me. the past 50 yrs. has brought forth some of the most amazing advancements, realizations, and reckless endangerment of our planet.

it's also been sad to me to see how much the human animal has not learned from its mistakes, how much hatred is being fostered and accepted, and how dangerous it has become to stay alive. i can only hope that things might still change. i've seen too much to be comforted by that hope.

creative solutions? nothing very creative about love, kindness, and respect, but i believe they're the only things that will help.

Sandra wrote: "72 here, and i do my best to continue being me. my spirit is still 27, and that helps keep me doing what i'm able in spite of illness and generally slowing down. still, i got my first book publishe..."

74 here, and I'm a guy who writes about strong women. Almost all my real-life heroes are women. Mostly scientists ranging from Emmy Noether to Lisa Randall. I dream of a time when we are not defined by gender; we are just people trying to get the hard work that needs doing done - together. (Meanwhile, I wish I could figure out how Goodreads works. I also long to see the advantage of Twitter. )