Great Books on Healthy Aging

While there are many great resources available to help us age gracefully and in good health (both mentally and physically), we recommend five books about healthy aging to motivate and inspire you.

All of these books are also available in audio format.

Healthy Aging:

A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being

Written by Andrew Weil, MD

Acclaimed best-seller Andrew Weil, MD, provides sensible advice to aging adults in this oldie-but-goodie book for seniors. In the 2007 version (recommended), Dr. Weil’s advice combines traditional and nontraditional medical advice to help us age in good health. Highlights include advice on nutrition and eating right, the anti-inflammatory diet, exercising right and a solid background on the aging process in general terms.

Ikigai:

The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

This feel-good book poses a simple but radical question: What is your reason for being? Or as the Japanese call it, your ikigai. Weaving in narratives and interviews with Japanese centenarians along with studies, history, quotes and even a brief tai chi lesson, this little book offers big advice on how to live a long, happy and meaningful life.

Keep Sharp:

Build a Better Brain at Any Age

Written by Sanjay Gupta, MD

Throughout life, we look for ways to keep our minds sharp and effortlessly productive. Now, globe-trotting neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, MD, offers a book filled with insights from top scientists all over the world, whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age. Dr. Gupta also addresses brain disease, particularly Alzheimer’s, and provides you with a personalized 12-week program featuring practical strategies to strengthen your brain every day.

The Gift of Years:

Growing Older Gracefully

Written by Joan Chittister

Author Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister of Erie, Pennsylvania, has written more than 50 books and has received many accolades and awards for her writing. This book is about embracing the aging process and taking it in. It contains 40+ essays on subjects like adjustment, sadness, regret and success. The author also offers advice on allowing yourself to become active in your golden years and using that time to connect with yourself and with others.

The Wonder of Aging:

A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty

Written by Michael Gurian

New York Times best-selling author Michael Gurian takes readers on a journey along newly-defined dimensions for the second half of life. The book divides one’s second act into three stages: The Age of Transformation (from late 40s to around 60), The Age of Distinction (from 60 to 75), and The Age of Completion (the final stage of our journey). It is filled with practical tips, solid science, and stories to inspire and motivate readers.