Rather than seeing life through the lens of dread and dismay, these seven books on aging approach the process the Prime Women way: with big energy, good health, and an ample dose of fun.
From best-selling celebrity author Cameron Diaz’s personal and practical exploration of female aging to timeless advice from the East and a fascinating “nun study,” here are a few reads to help you design your own path forward.
The Longevity Book, by Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz started the healthy-body discussion with her first book, The Body Book, in 2013. In 2016, she followed up on the conversation with a tome about aging. The Longevity Book is beautifully illustrated and thoroughly engaging. It explores how and why we age, including information on the history, biology, and neuroscience of maintaining optimal health while transitioning into middle age.
Healthy Aging, by Dr. Andrew Weil
No, you can’t turn back the clock, says Dr. Andrew Weil in his practical and uplifting book from 2005. But you can use his timeless best-seller as a guide to keeping your mind and body strong and healthy through a combination of diet, activity, and attitude. His practical, informative approach inspires through traditional and nontraditional ways to live a long and healthy life.
Aging With Grace, by David Snowdon
So much about aging with grace is found in the fascinating study conducted by author David Snowdon. In 1986, he conducted revolutionary research that would change how we view the process of aging. Dubbed “The Nun Study,” because of the 678 Catholic sister participants ranging from 74 to 106 years old, his work resulted in groundbreaking findings about Alzheimer’s, heredity, attitude, faith, and the role of community in our later years. Plus, the stories about the nuns are truly fascinating.
Secrets of Longevity, by Maoshing Ni
Known as Dr. Mao to his patients, author Maoshing Ni blends Eastern wisdom with Western science. Organized by diet, healing, environment, exercise, and relationships, the book offers all-natural ideas for living a longer, healthier, happier life. Examples: Add a little honey to your tea to aid internal healing and take a walk after dinner to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Goddesses Never Age, by Dr. Christiane Northrup
In her book, Northrup disrupts the notion of an inevitable decline in health, looks, and sexual relationships, and lays out the principles of ageless living. She guides you through rejecting processed foods and releasing stuck emotions, aiming to help you embrace well-being and sensuality. The best part: Her 14-day improvement program gives you the tools for a soulful, joyful new way of being.
French Women Don’t Get Facelifts, by Mireille Guiliano
Mireille Guiliano, author of the best-selling French Women Don’t Get Fat, shares the secrets and strategies of aging with attitude, joy, and no surgery in this follow-up. She’s not into expensive anti-aging lotions, invasive cosmetic procedures, or attempts to dress like a teenager. She scoffs at the idea of “aging with grace,” opting instead for “aging with attitude.” Her philosophy on aging revolves around knowing thyself and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. And, oui, there’s plenty of diet, fashion, and fitness advice too.
I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron
We feel bad about the fact that the lovely Nora Ephron is no longer with us to laugh about our turkey waddles. But her hilarious look at the indignities of growing old makes us happy nonetheless. Reading this oldie but goodie may add a new laugh line to your face. But you won’t regret the truly ageless power of humor.
>READ: I READ 60 BOOKS IN 2019: HERE’S HOW YOU CAN TOO IN 2020
>READ: DESIGNING YOUR LIFE: 3 BOOKS TO HELP YOU DECIDE YOUR SECOND ACT
