Guide cowl of “The Second Fifty: Solutions to the 7 Huge Questions of Midlife and Past” by Debra Whitman, PhD.
“The Second Fifty: Solutions to the 7 Huge Questions of Midlife and Past” by Debra Whitman, PhD
c.2024,
W.W. Norton
$29.99
336 pages
You’ve obtained large plans.
Resign out of your present job and discover work that makes your coronary heart sing. Spend time with household and analysis your family tree. That dream trip is in your listing, and also you’re eyeing a brand new passion that appears enjoyable. There are such a lot of prospects to your retirement. Learn “The Second Fifty” by Debra Whitman, PhD, and ensure you get there.
You eat proper, train, buckle your seatbelt, and also you’re financially safe. You’re in fine condition, which is what Whitman figured about her husband till he had a life-threatening coronary heart problem whereas on a hike within the mountains a number of years in the past. He did all the pieces proper – she’s an knowledgeable on growing older! – however he had three dangerous arteries, which is frequent in older males.
That’s when Whitman realized that there are not any ensures relating to growing older. Even so, there are issues you are able to do to present your self a greater probability at an extended life.

Ask your self, first, how lengthy you may count on to stay. The typical life expectancy for Asian Individuals is far, a lot larger than it’s for white and Black Individuals, however every particular person is completely different. Will you be wholesome within the coming years? Take steps now for it.
Will you keep your reminiscence? Whitman says that the charges of dementia are declining resulting from higher diet and existence, so know how you can keep mind well being. Will you wish to work a number of years after retirement or need to? Will you find the money for to take pleasure in life? Being financially safe is without doubt one of the hallmarks of longevity, however a job after 65 doesn’t need to be a drudge.
And at last, one truth stays: you’ll finally die. Chances are you’ll marvel how that’ll occur, however having plans for then will ease your thoughts at present.
When you got here throughout “The Second Fifty” on a shelf someplace, you would possibly assume you’re getting recommendation on how you can take pleasure in your so-called golden years. And it’s that – however furthermore, it’s about getting there wholesome and set as much as seize them.
At a time when life expectancy in America is lagging, that’s very important data to have – and when it comes from AARP’s chief public coverage officer, you recognize you may belief it. Writer Debra Whitman makes use of loads of real-life examples to make her recommendation as related as potential, and what she says will make readers take a tough have a look at their lives to identify the place even essentially the most minor modifications can take advantage of important variations. Whitman additionally invitations readers to contemplate the following technology by changing into activists for enhanced well being care advantages, safer senior housing, elimination of racial and geographical variations in growing older, and higher methods to pay for nursing properties and reminiscence care.
That makes this a wonderful handbook for anybody over age 60, however it’s additionally a map for midlife, too, and don’t be shocked in case your 20-something picks it up. If any of you might be hoping for retirement sometime, “The Second Fifty” must be a part of your plans.
