Interesting Self- Help Books for Seniors

Just like every other area of the population seniors need help too, and sometimes they need help helping themselves.

12:58 09 February 2020

There is a large amount of stigma associated with aging, and it is something that many people fear. However, in many cultures seniors are held in high regard as living records of knowledge and wisdom. If you’re looking to gain a positive paradigm on aging there are many books that help older adults do this.

The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age

This book by Steven Gundry explores the concept of ways to help prevent illnesses that can lead to detriment in our later years. Steven Gundry is a surgeon tackling the problem of age related illnesses and how to avoid them. In the book he suggests that gut health is especially important because it's one of the oldest areas of our body. He talks about how cognitive decline occurring in older adults generally is the result of how we treat ourselves over the course of decades. However, it's never too late to take the initiative and work towards having a healthier body.

Keep It Moving: Lessons For The Rest Of Your Life

Twyla Tharp is a 77 year old who is dedicated to a daily regimen of exercise and having a perspective of feeling young. Scott Grant, the man behind grayingwithgrace.com has a few exercise and fitness suggestions that can be enjoyed by seniors. Low impact exercises that are not demanding on the body but provides stimulation is optimal.

 

We can all have a fear of time passing by us, and it seems to go by faster the older that we get. If you are looking to reimagine your perspective on aging this is a great philosophical reality. Tharp also offers some tips on meditating and how this can benefit your mental health into older age. Meditation can help circumvent stress, reduce blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness and even have other benefits like improving memory retention. 

Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives

This lengthy title is authored by Daniel Levitin, and he explores the neuroscience behind aging. In health related fields older adults are being recognized as being part of a new developmental stage that comes with it's own challenges. He recommends seeking happiness in the future, instead of living in the past to truly enjoy life. Looking to find your joy in future events gives you something to feel good about every morning. 

From an objective standpoint, the latter has negative consequences on our health. Daniel tackles many age related myths that help combat “ageism” that many in our time have. This includes the common belief that memory loss is associated with old age. This is a great book that offers an introspective look into what seniors might be going through. 

The Ultimate Retirement Guide For 50+

This novel is a great option for those who are concerned about their savings into retirement. While it is geared for both 50 year old and above, it's a great read for seniors as well. It covers topics involving how to make your money last, when you can afford to stop working, and if you will be able to depend on social assistance programs. The topics of where to invest and how are also covered, as well as establishing a long-term care insurance plan. Long-term care is becoming a growing concern for many senior adults as populations continue to rise. This is a great book for how to manage your money effectively in your later years, especially when it comes to saving, and money management.

Courageous Aging: Your Best Years Reimagined 

Dr. Ken Druck covers many of the components of aging mentioned in other books, he just places them altogether. Dispelling the common age related myths are important for self-esteem for seniors who may start to perceive themselves in a negative light. Dr Druck testifies that happiness can be found at any time in our lives, and that seniors are highly condensed storages of knowledge. The life experience that seniors have should be held in high regard by those of previous generations, who can rely on their wisdom to traverse through their own lives. 

Aging does not need to be a bad thing, and a great deal of the authors in this list seem to agree. Feeling young and achieving happiness are entirely attainable goals in every stage of development as people. If you are worried about the unique financial complications that are involved with aging, there are many resources to help you seek perspective on this problem. These are definitely some interesting reads for the aging adult.