Summary of Honest Aging By Rosanne M. Leipzig: An Insider's Guide to the Second Half of Life (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

By Willie M. Joseph

DISCLAIMER

 

This book does not in any capacity mean to replace the original book but to serve as a vast summary of the original book.

Summary of Honest Aging By Rosanne M. Leipzig: An Insider's Guide to the Second Half of Life (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

IN THIS SUMMARIZED BOOK, YOU WILL GET:

• Chapter astute outline of the main contents.
• Fast & simple understanding of the content analysis.
• Exceptionally summarized content that you may skip in the original book

 

Honest Aging is a guide by Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig, a geriatrics expert with over 35 years of experience. It provides practical advice on aging, addressing physical, psychological, functional, and emotional changes. The book helps identify age-related changes, addresses common health concerns, and offers advice on healthcare, driving, and living arrangements. It also includes checklists, medication lists, and technology recommendations. Honest Aging counters common myths and offers resources for self-help and support.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Willie M. Joseph
• Release date: Oct 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223400486

Willie M. Joseph

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Book preview

PREFACE

As a geriatrician, the question of Is this normal for aging? is a common one among patients, families, and others. Normal age-related changes can affect daily activities and emotions, and adaptive devices like glasses can make a significant difference in the quality of life. People age differently, with some fighting it, others fearing it, and others embracing it. This book, Life is a Journey, aims to help older adults, their loved ones, and those curious about what to expect and who they can be as they age.

The book is not a prescription for aging backward or making 80 the new 60, nor does it provide a guide to self-diagnosis or substitute for regular visits with medical providers. Instead, it provides a guide for older adults, their loved ones, and those curious about what to expect and who they can be as they age. Each chapter is written with an awareness and sensitivity relevant to each reader, ensuring that the book helps readers understand the normal changes and challenges that come with aging and how to help them function better.

Aging 101 is a book that focuses on five spheres crucial to the health and well-being of older adults. It covers personal and psychological responses to aging, medical care, medication use and management, and preventive medicine. The book also discusses symptoms that cause worry in older adults, such as memory, energy, moods, mobility, balance, falls, sleep, urination, vision, hearing, aches, pains, gastrointestinal concerns, weight and nutrition, and sex. It also discusses what is normal with aging and adapting to your new normal. The book also discusses difficult decisions, such as where to live, whether to continue driving, and who should speak for you if you can't speak for yourself.

The book offers advice for loved ones and offers advice on how to frame and have discussions with older adults. The key to aging well is having a sense of what to expect, what's normal, and what options there are for adapting to your future.

PART I

Aging 101

It’s Only Aging, Get a Grip!

The key to aging well lies within one's attitudes and responses towards growing older and entering old age. While physical declines and losses may transform one's life, there are new options for improving well-being, happiness, and sense of purpose. Being resilient, facing challenges, and establishing a new normal can allow for a positive outlook about the future, thinking outside the box, and appreciating the possibilities, humor, and joy that can be part of life. Old age is a new stage of life, and it is important to face reality head-on and be proactive, creative, and resilient in response to new situations.

Self-fulfilling prophecies, which are often reinforced throughout our lifetimes, can affect our health and well-being in old age. Studies have shown that older adults with negative perceptions of aging perform worse on memory tasks and standardized hearing tests, while those with positive perceptions live longer and maintain more independence.

To improve one's own perceptions of aging, it is essential to speak up against negative stereotypes and surround oneself with positive images of aging and empowered older people. Professionally run arts workshops, such as Creative Aging programs, can engage older adults in meaningful creative expression and improve their health, wellness, and connectedness.

Old age is a new phenomenon in society, with many people living into it for the first time. In 1900, 50% of people died before they were 47, and many diseases can be prevented or cured. Today, many conditions can be managed with behavioral change and medication. However, most older adults are in good health and able to do much of what they want.

Age-related changes can affect one's ability to function and well-being. Older people are less insecure than their younger selves, more likely to say exactly what they think and do what they want, and less compelling societal norms and peer pressure. They also have a greater focus on the present and what's really important, instead of dwelling on the past or the future.

To make peace with aging, it is essential to accept the changes and limitations that come with aging and be open to novel ways of adapting and meeting these challenges. Think of these extra years as a gift and not view later life as a glass half empty because you are not able to do everything you were once able to.

Reflect on what truly matters to you, what's no longer so important, and what you might do in response to life's future challenges. Consider your financial resources, family, friends, and spiritual communities that provide emotional support, as well as your own inner life, ideas, and values.

Practices for a happier old age, regardless of your current age, include recognizing what truly matters to you, focusing on the present, and seeking support from loved ones and community.

Ageism is a common stereotype of older adults, but it's important to recognize that most of us will eventually be part of this group. Be a role model for aging by being yourself and telling people your age. Right-size your expectations and adjust your goals to slow down age-related loss of speed and strength. Be resilient, adaptable, and flexible by being grateful for what you have and finding new meaning and purpose. Consider volunteering and engaging in meaningful activities to stay engaged in your community.

Redefine the term independent to include the ability to continue meaningful social and spiritual connections, activities, and living arrangements. Accept help in areas like hearing aids, moving out of your home, having an aide, or taking antidepressants. Never say never to change, but make a list of pros and cons and do a trial to see what happens.

Advocate for yourself and allow others to advocate for you, as some symptoms may persist and can lead to a spiral of less activity, deconditioning, weakness, and depression. Use this book as a guide and seek help to identify the underlying cause of symptoms and work towards becoming symptom-free. Commit to trying treatments, including therapy, medication trials, and behavioral modifications, and let others help when needed.

When you can't do everything you once did, remember to select what really matters to you, optimize by practicing and rehearsing what you are able to do, and compensate by using alternative mechanisms and equipment. Laugh more, cultivate your sense of humor, and choose the right doctor who knows the difference between caring for 80-year-olds and 60-year-olds.

Aging can be a time of positive change and growth for both you and the older person you care about. However, it can also be tough, with potential conflict between parents and older adults. Reframing independence and how getting help can make one more independent is important.

Older adults are more likely to try something if they are told the benefits rather than if they feel threatened with the negative consequences. Explore options together without mandates, and make sure the person you care about knows their views have been heard. Consider using a third party, such as a therapist, doctor, or counselor at a senior or religious center, as a mediator. If you have serious concerns that your loved one may lack the mental ability to make a certain decision, speak