The New Senior Woman

January 20, 2014
The later life of the senior woman today has little in common with her mother's or even grandmother's lives. To start she will live 20 to 30 years longer with better health, more vitality, and increased resources to affect changes in themselves as well as society. Fleisher and Reese, two retired professors turned bloggers, aim to help women navigate the unique realities of life after retirement in this day and age. The two approach the topic like the academics they once wereâinterviewing hundreds of women "with varied histories who examine their lives critically." The book collects and categorizes the wisdom of women already in the second half of their lives (one is 100 years old!) to provide inspiration and practical advice on such topics as how to live with adult children, downsize their homes, and embrace galloping technology. The authors do not avoid the unavoidable and most serious issues of aging: separation and loss; however, at times they seem overly earnest or too optimistic. And, even the elder chicks can slip into unintended ageism. For example, in the chapter about downsizing they talk to a couple in their 80s moving to a retirement community in Florida. "Even at their age," the authors write, Hannah H and her husband "had the spirit and courage to recognize that a change in lifestyle would be worth the effort." Minor pitfalls aside, Fleisher and Reese successfully provide direction and community for women 60-plus looking to reinvent their later life.

December 1, 2013
Since 1950, America's population older than 60 has nearly tripled. Retired professors, Fleisher and Reese, started the blog, www .ElderChicks.com, to share inspiring stories about how one's senior years can be a time of renewal and reinvention. Dick Goldberg, national director of Coming of Age (for Americans 50 and older), writes a lovely introduction about seniors maintaining freedom and independence. Indeed, that's a common, food-for-thought theme throughout the book as Fleisher and Reese profile people who are truly mastering the art of a senior life. Lawyer Cheryl L frees herself from a moribund marriage. Shirley L, in her mid-80s, plays tennis and still works at the art dealership she founded with her husband. At first, Joanne K was devastated that her husband cheated on her. But eventually, she concluded that he was the bad guy here, not me! And she got her master's degree in psychology. The book ends, satisfyingly, with Elena S' creed, While I can, I will. When I can't, I won't. But I'll be glad that I did when I could. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)