Aging Joyfully

Starred review from July 15, 2019
Psychologist Manly (Joy from Fear) guides women into their later years with wisdom and empathy in this touching work. Manly encourages those 50 and older to look at their life’s experiences and celebrate them rather than to look back with regret about dreams not achieved. Throughout, she offers “wisdom tips,” most of which are tied to the process of journaling. Perhaps counterintuitively, Manly first instructs women to write a disappointment letter to themselves listing all their life’s regrets, but immediately follows by asking them to write a letter of hopes for the future. Wisdom tip #35 counsels women to write a “my roles through life” letter and to examine the feelings it generates so one can pinpoint the toxic role regret and shame can play in emotional health. Manly also offers advice on dealing with the physical realities of aging, covering menopause, the benefits of exercise, and ways to watch food and alcohol consumption. Perhaps most importantly, she counsels women not to accept disrespect because of advancing age. This powerful work will be of use to any woman wishing to contemplate the meaning of a good life as she ages.

July 1, 2019

In a culture in which many women are terrified of growing old, psychologist Manly writes that women can be the most brilliant version of themselves by making sensible personal choices. The author shares more than 80 tips addressing everything from anxiety and loneliness to life roles and relationships. While she acknowledges the physical ailments that often come with aging, Manly also highlights the wisdom accrued through life experiences. Regrets? Write a letter to oneself, then let them go. Anger? Practice deep breathing as a way to release the emotions. Her suggestions are anything but simplistic, and her tone is uplifting and inspiring. VERDICT Recommended as a worthy update to other books on this often underrepresented topic.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.