Eldercare 101 and The Gift of Aging

ELDERCARE 101 by Mary Jo Saavedra is an updated version of “A Practical Guide to Later Life Planning, Care, and Wellbeing.” In her introduction Saavedra compassionately points out that “while many of the twists and turns of eldercare are similar across America, each caregiving situation is unique” and that one’s own personal life situation and commitments “can be undermined by the unpredictable demands of elder caregiving, the time-consuming research it requires, and the crisis that is a constant companion.” A lifecare coach and counselor, Saavedra has compiled essays related to her Six Pillars of Aging Well-being. She begins by focusing on Legal issues, as described by a lawyer, then moves to the Living Environment itself. One sub-section there offers roughly 30 pages on various options (Adult Foster Care Homes, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Assisted Living Facilities, and Memory Care) which are laid out in a straightforward manner. Other pillars include Spiritual, Social (looks at connecting and belonging), Medical (with a sub-section on the aging brain) and Financial. This text is full of details and helpful suggestions. ELDERCARE 101 also contains a glossary, notes, bibliography, and index, and brief biographies of chapter authors. See also Successfully Navigating Your Parents’ Senior Years and When your Aging Parent Needs Help. 

From Cambridge University Press, THE GIFT OF AGING by Marcy Cottrell Houle (a scientist and award-winning author) and Elizabeth Eckstrom (Chief of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University) is subtitled “Growing Older with Purpose, Planning, and Positivity.” Referring to “the third act of our lives,” the text begins with a  Foreword by Bill McKibben and then offers multiple chapters split into four areas: Caring for Your Mind, for Your Body, for Yourself & Family (practical issues) and for Your Soul. Each offers a blend of scientific facts with inspirational stories. For example, they cite updated work by the American Geriatrics Society on the Beers List Criteria and “Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution.” Other comments stress that “the top ten habits, including exercise, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, creative engagement, and healthy sleep, all help prevent cognitive decline.” THE GIFT OF AGING is a generally cheerful book with numerous suggestions like wearing sturdy shoes even inside (slippers have their name for a reason) to avoid falls. Several Mediterranean Diet recipes and an Index are included, too. Other recent books on positive aging experiences include: The Wisdom of Morrie, and Wake Up With Purpose!