This was a real feel-good book. I enjoyed it.

One of Jimmy Carter's 19 post-presidential books (so far), this short tome offers folksy, common sense advice for people who, like him, are "involuntarily forced into retirement" -- in his case, from the White House.
In one chapter, he talks about the activities he maintains -- fishing, mountain climbing, bird-watching, skiing, tennis, hunting -- and adds "I haven't yet given up at ny of the active sports of my earlier years, although I have had to cut back on some of them. Now I run three miles a day with Rosalynn instead of the seven miles I ran while president, and we limit our tennis to two sets of about twenty games." Somehow in there lurks one explanation for why so many see his presidency as a failed one.

I found this book to be a good reminder of the important things to remember as a approach retirement. We all need a purpose in life and to maintain good relationships with others. Carter's life was amazing in retirement, and I hope to also have a full life, even if it is more low profile than his.

This came highly recommended, so I was hoping for a little more than what I got. It was an easy read, some helpful advice I'd like to refer to later. There are parts of it I'd like to read again in future years, as the "Aging" thing becomes more real.

I grabbed this in hopes of reading it with my husband, but after reading a good chunk of it myself, I'm not going to finish it. President Carter wrote this 23 years ago, and honestly, he comes off as a bit of a scold. I haven't read anything else he has written, so perhaps I will try something with different subject matter. He is such an admirable human being that I don't want this to be my only experience with his words.

I had this book on my bookshelf for so long that I can no longer remember buying it. While packing up my library for renovation, I put it aside and took it with me on vacation. It's a very easy read and somewhat outdated since it was published in 1998 but the wisdom found in its pages is timeless. This should be required reading for everyone nearing retirement or for those already retired.

My hat goes off to President Carter for sharing these thoughts with so many people. I now plan to purchase and read another one of his books. I have so much respect for what he and Rosalynn have done with their lives--- what we could all achieve by adhering to many of his tenets.

Well written, Mr. President!

I wish I had read this 10 years ago. It would have had more impact right as I retired. Jimmy Carter may not have been a great president. He is a good man. This book looks at how to retire and grow old productively. For many it will seem dated, true. However, there are a number of points that time would not change. Reading this at or near retirement has merit and you should give it a chance.

Do not read The Virtues of Aging because Jimmy Carter was once President of United States, read it because the man has been pausing to assess what is important for a long, long time. This book is a product of his careful reflection.

When Carter was voted out of the White House, he was just 56. Embarrassed, on shaky financial footing, facing an empty nest at home, and fearing their productive lives were over, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter asked, "What are we going to do with the next twenty-five years?"

President Carter should have asked, "What will I do with the next 35 years of my life?" Although the President assumed he had 10 or 15 years “if he was lucky“ (Carters did not live long), he is now almost 40 years past the time he exited the White House. In this book he reflects on the advantages and admirable qualities of growing old.

President Carter speaks with frankness, humor, and introspection as he assesses both joys and the challenges of growing older. You’ll learn about the Carter’s relationship on practically every front from finances to grand parenting to sex to retirement careers to how they invest their free time.

The Virtues of Aging is not strictly a memoir on aging. It is full of interesting research, though I suspect some of it is dated given the 1998 publication. While a few data points may have changed, the topic is timeless. Carter asks:

So then, when are we old? The correct answer is that each of us is old when we think we are – when we except an attitude of dormancy, dependence on others, a substantial limitation on our physical and mental activity, and restrictions on the number of other people with whom we interact. As I know from experience, this is not tied very closely to how many years we’ve lived. Page 11

This book accepts the concept of "old," but it is a manifesto that years need not define productivity, enjoyment, or purpose. It is great help to anyone who is ready to accept the reality of growing older but not the limitations and setbacks often associated with it.

Four reasons to read The Virtues of Aging:
1. President Carter will surprise you with his candor and honesty. I could never see President Trump writing this book in this kind of style. Carter does not pontificate. He shares life. In the process he leaves few stones unturned.
2. President Carter will engage and teach you with stories. His collection of anecdotes is delightful. He will take you from Plains, Georgia to the world stage and back to his home town.
3. President Carter will point you to others who have aged well. I found The Virtues of Aging very informative, particularly as I learned from "Some Remarkable Old People" (chapter 13).
4. President Carter will give you great advice. This is not a "Let me tell you what you need to hear!" book, but the more time you spend with Mr. Carter the more you want to hear from him. I particularly enjoyed chapter 8, "Seventy, Going on Eighty," which highlights the customs and habits that shape the lives of the Carter's in their advanced years.

Great book on retirement and social security and how age is just a number.

Suggestions for Living to a Ripe Old Age

Jimmy Carter asks the reader, - when are we old? He follows up, by Rules saying that the correct answer is that each of us is old when we think we are—when we accept an attitude of dormancy, dependence on others, a substantial limitation on our physical and mental activity, and restrictions on the number of other people with whom we interact; not to how many years we’ve lived. He continues by telling the reader: "Two thirds of our physical ailments and premature deaths are caused by our own deliberate choice of lifestyle and can be delayed or prevented with proper habits."

Carter states that he believes: "Our primary purpose in our golden years is not just to stay alive as long as we can, but to savor every opportunity for pleasure, excitement, adventure, and fulfillment. There is still a difference between how long we live and how much we enjoy living. With reasonably good health, there are two crucial factors in how happy or successful an older person is: (1) having a purpose in life and (2) maintaining quality relationships with others."

"Some sociologists have decided that the three most significant predictors of successful aging are (1) the level of education we have attained, (2) the amount of physical activity that we maintain, and (3) the degree of control that we feel we have over our own destiny." Carter says: "I’m inclined to agree with an elaborate study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, which concluded that the three indicators of successful aging are (1) avoiding disease and disability, (2) maintaining mental and physical function, and (3) continuing engagement with life."

"It is a sign of maturity when we can accept honestly and courageously that frustrated dreams,illness, disability, and eventual death are all normal facets of a person’s existence—and that despite these, we can still continue to learn, grow, and adopt challenging goals. The simple things—our own happiness, peace, joy, satisfaction, and the exploration of love in all its forms—are the key to the virtues of life, at any age. You are old when regrets take the place of dreams."

"SOME OF THE most valuable advice I’ve ever received is that it’s better to use recreation to preserve health rather than to use medicines and treatment to regain health."- Jimmy Carter in The Virtues of Aging.

I first heard about this book in the Afterword of "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old", by Steven Petrow, and I really enjoyed this book. As a Senior, there wasn't really any new advice I was able to take away from it; it was more like sitting down for a friendly chat with someone with some common experiences. He truly has led an extraordinary life, and I'm glad I got to read about it.

Some gems in here!