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typish's review against another edition
Anecdote after anecdote, little substance, and (it seemed to me) confusion of some concepts
amyrhoda's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.5
I found this book to be quite exhaustive — it covers many aspects of aging. Possibly not a great choice to read from cover to cover, but this is a good book to have on the shelf and refer to if you're planning on getting old.
bluishgreen12's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
A very comprehensive and scientific book about aging. I think it deserves reading by people of all ages, not just those who are elderly. The reason for that is because it is full of tips on what we can do throughout our lives in order to age better.
Perhaps my favourite thing about the book is how detailed and objective it is. The author goes through a lot of what is relevant to aging, things we know, what we are unsure of, what we can hardly be sure of. This for me is important because the Internet is full of information but not all gives sources or is based on rigorous research. The author goes through this in his book in an objective manner. I like his humily in describing how some things are just hard to know the truth about for example what diet is best, and how complex the topic is. On the other hand we also get presented with what is solid knowledge for example the fact that meaningful social connections are important and why. This book made me reflect on a new trend on social media where people argue that not having children is the best thing ever. In reality that wasn't as common and we don't have enough data to know how that impacts long term. I agree some absolutely shouldn't have children based on how self-centred they are, but the point is that there isn't a way to know how the same people will age (happily or not). I do think that the case for meaningful social relations was quite well made in the book and important to consider in an ever more individualistic world. The life span is getting lengthier but what can we do to make sure that the later years are not going to turn into a living nightmare full of pain (physical and psychological)?
Perhaps my favourite thing about the book is how detailed and objective it is. The author goes through a lot of what is relevant to aging, things we know, what we are unsure of, what we can hardly be sure of. This for me is important because the Internet is full of information but not all gives sources or is based on rigorous research. The author goes through this in his book in an objective manner. I like his humily in describing how some things are just hard to know the truth about for example what diet is best, and how complex the topic is. On the other hand we also get presented with what is solid knowledge for example the fact that meaningful social connections are important and why. This book made me reflect on a new trend on social media where people argue that not having children is the best thing ever. In reality that wasn't as common and we don't have enough data to know how that impacts long term. I agree some absolutely shouldn't have children based on how self-centred they are, but the point is that there isn't a way to know how the same people will age (happily or not). I do think that the case for meaningful social relations was quite well made in the book and important to consider in an ever more individualistic world. The life span is getting lengthier but what can we do to make sure that the later years are not going to turn into a living nightmare full of pain (physical and psychological)?
al07734's review against another edition
4.75
The one thing is that this book is going to be very set in its date, since it references current findings, many of which may become debunked in the next few years or so, for example. Still, it was good to hear such a scientific view on aging, with no punches held back on the more specific terms which I appreciated. Other than that the generalized advice was good.
prairie_meg's review against another edition
1.0
Only marking this as read so I can add it to my DNF bookshelf. I’ve tried reading this twice and just can’t get into it. The second time around I at least made it about 40%!
Content isn’t as interesting as I had hoped. It’s also very dry. Not for me.
Content isn’t as interesting as I had hoped. It’s also very dry. Not for me.
jbzar's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting stuff. Pertinent for me in many respects. Practical inputs as well. Yes, the author does try and offer some thoughts about what you can do if the relationship as a kid with one of your parents wasn’t ideal. Also, quite technical through many long spans. Worth reading in my opinion.
traceyo's review against another edition
5.0
Watching my parents both struggle with cognitive decline, I decided to pick up a book that might shed some light on the why and how of it all. Levitin does this in spades, all while offering inspiration and well-researched guidance as to what we can do to age as well as possible (quality rules).
The last lines of the book sum it up perfectly: "Hold on to your torch. Do not go gently. And don't forget to laugh. Whatever's going on around you, remember to laugh."
The last lines of the book sum it up perfectly: "Hold on to your torch. Do not go gently. And don't forget to laugh. Whatever's going on around you, remember to laugh."
cdeck's review against another edition
4.0
Solid book on the physical, psychological, and neurological aspects of aging. Very technical, most of it over my head, but interesting throughout and full of tips for cognitive health in the last 1/3.
kittymamers's review against another edition
3.0
täitsa okei lugemine oli, kuigi aega võttis üksjagu. suur osa sellest, mis räägiti, oli mulle enne teada ja tuttav ka, siin jälle alustatakse aju arengust ja omadustest ja jõutakse siis tasapisi välja sinna, et mis sellega vananedes juhtub ja mida võiks teha, et juhtuks vähem või hiljem või paremaid asju.
jälle peame nentima, et mingeid imelahendusi ei ole ja taas kord aitavad paremini vananeda needsamad asjad, mis nii üldiselt paremini elada aitavad - head inimsuhted, tähenduslik töö, füüsiline aktiivsus, mõistlik toitumine.
hästi palju näiteid oli autori enda tuttavatest vanainimestest, igasuguseid 80ndates eluaastas endiselt aktiivseid teadlasi, muusikuid, näitlejaid jne oli mainitud. kõik see kõlas usutavalt ja klappis sellega, mida ise olen elus märganud - tasub oma vanemaks saamist lihtsalt ignoreerida ja elada edasi, nagu senigi. võtan plaani.
jälle peame nentima, et mingeid imelahendusi ei ole ja taas kord aitavad paremini vananeda needsamad asjad, mis nii üldiselt paremini elada aitavad - head inimsuhted, tähenduslik töö, füüsiline aktiivsus, mõistlik toitumine.
hästi palju näiteid oli autori enda tuttavatest vanainimestest, igasuguseid 80ndates eluaastas endiselt aktiivseid teadlasi, muusikuid, näitlejaid jne oli mainitud. kõik see kõlas usutavalt ja klappis sellega, mida ise olen elus märganud - tasub oma vanemaks saamist lihtsalt ignoreerida ja elada edasi, nagu senigi. võtan plaani.