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

This is the authoritative book on aging, written by a neuroscientist. While having proper academic notes and indices, the book is highly readable and interesting. For example, to learn that infancy and childhood care can be a determinant of resilience to the aging process was fascinating. The author goes on to say that the effects of childhood trauma can be mitigated, giving hope to those many of us who had less than a perfect start in life. Societal and cultural issues such as drug addiction and alcoholism are not given much attention because the effects of aging on the brain are the main focus of this book.

This is a very hopeful book. While the current model of aging mandates retirement at a certain age, this author recommends finding meaningful work as an antidote to the aging process. In addition, the author covers diet, exercise, relationships, emotions, and coping skills in an exhaustive instruction in healthy and successful aging. This is one of the best books I have seen on this subject, and it is highly readable.