This book was written 20 years ago. Jimmy Carter accomplished a lot and I admired his charitable activities. I hope he learned a few things about his mistakes on the home front. He said things like “I was dominant” in the home and having the power. He spoke of he and Rosalyn being more equal now, and wondering if he’d “taught Rosalyn enough.” This is was after they’d been married a long time! He must have been an extremely demanding and difficult husband. He also complained about his job being taken away from him after he lost the election of 1980. It is probably good he lost it if he felt that it was his job. We elect our presidents, that job isn’t something anyone is entitled to. I couldn’t finish the book after reading those comments.

A short, easy read. I didn't know much other than what the public eye has shown over the past few years of Jimmy Carter's giving nature. It was an interesting read to dig a little bit deeper. I probably would have never picked this up except for his burial this week. A nice read.

Not a bad read, but I had a few issues. 1. You can tell it was written by a politician (count of the use of the word "citizen" alone would tell you this) 2. Kind of out dated. Felt more like an essay than anything else.

I read this when I was younger. I gave it to my Dad who greatly admired President Carter. I need to re-read now that I need to find some virtues in where I am.

In this book, Former President Jimmy Carter talks about how aging can be good and some things to do for yourself and your well-being as you grow older. As a man who has lived a long time, I really respected what he had to say about aging. This was a very good book for me to read at this time in my life as I am moving through my late 50s. A really enjoyable book by an author I have great respect for.

President Carter presents gentle reminders for aging well in this small but large book.

President Carter writes with such passion sharing his wisdom and passion! I have read only a few books covering aging; however, President Carter’s is by far the best! Every book I have read by President Carter makes me feel like he is my personal friend! You can imagine sitting in the living room enjoying a wonderful conversation, lots of laughs and so much kindness!

2.5 stars. He has a good attitude but I didn’t think the execution of the book was all that good.

I picked up this book in a used bookstore. The thought of Jimmy Carter now at the age of 100 in hospice and what he had to say about aging when he was 74 intrigued me.
To think he has lived so far 26 more years since the publication of this book on his thoughts of aging.
Even though technology has greatly advanced since 1998 and his reference to a new source of the internet, there are several very helpful and also astute observations on aging. The sharing of experiences such as the death of a man who was a mentor of Jimmy as he states the pastor indicated “ The loss of a person like Howard is the same as a library burned to the ground.”
Whether you yourselves are in the older adult years or a family member or you are studying or looking at the stages of how we all age this is a book that can offer some insights.

Interesting take on aging. Carter certainly lived his values. I wish we had more leaders like him.

From the Library of Contemporary Thought Monthly Series. Great uplifting read.

Or, how to be a successful and happy senior citizen. He wrote this 25 years ago, in 1998. He’s now been a senior for a long time! No need for revisions, though.


Accumulating wealth & power isn’t as important as simply sharing love with friends and family.


He condemns age discrimination.

He encourages voluntarism.

He doesn’t exclude sexuality (lust).

Twenty-five years ago, he already sees the value of the Internet to connect us.

At the book’s end, he states world religions’ key tenants and the importance of being connected with something transcendent. He ends with a plug for Christianity. I’d be disappointed if this longtime Baptist Sunday school teacher didn’t.

I was surprised to learn his parents allowed kids to read at the dining table. He allowed the same with his boys. Rosalynn’s family talked with each other during meals. This was a conflict point for Jimmy and Rosalynn.

Carter’s father was stern, and Jimmy was as well with his boys. This seems a regret. Amy came late(r). Not sure if he had mellowed by then.

People shouldn’t wait until retirement to read this book. They might want to plan ahead. Accepting Carter’s wisdom and experience is a valuable thing.