Less than I expected from someone with the benefit of the life experiences Carter's had.

I enjoyed this book! Jimmy Carter and Roslyn have contributed so much since his years as President to helping others. It was a pleasure to read his thoughts on life and aging, especially since I am now a bit older myself. They both experienced an amazing life, and the book is full of wisdom and advice on having a fulfilling, active life after retirement. Jimmy is still a positive presence for good, even today. Although this was written years ago, it is still pertinent today. It is a wonderful reminder that life in your "golden" years can still be happy and full of adventures!

Jimmy gives solid, easy to achieve, life enhancing advice on aging. I just purchased another book on aging written by he and Roselyn.

5/10

This book told me my options are, but did not ignite my imagination.

THE VIRTUES OF AGING wasn't eye-opening by any means. It was filled with the majority of issues I'd already considered. On the plus side, the writer's "storytelling" style for examples and gentle insights (even when facing challenges such as failing health) kept everything readable.

The main point (although not specifically mentioned as such) appeared to be that if you remained aware of the present, kept seeking opportunities to engage your mind, and sought to treat others with honesty, respect and kindness, then it is likely that you will feel more self-confident and happy in your senior years. My favorite sections involved resources for staying involved in the world, and brief stories of people who achieved terrific things in their seventies, eighties and nineties.

There are also occasional faith homilies and "down home" tales. It never felt to me like preaching, though.

THE VIRTUES OF AGING would be most valuable for people who have a fear of "becoming old," or who are about to enter the Retirement world without having given thought to more than financial considerations. For those of us who have already taken the time to reflect, it is appreciated more as the perspective of a famous person.

One you get past the platitudes and preachiness (this is Jimmy Carter), you're reminded again that, while he may have been one of our worst modern presidents, he is also one of the best human beings to have ever held the office. His mature acceptance of the viccissitudes of aging, and his ability to grow at every stage of life is pretty inspiring. I wouldn't vote for him again, but I would like to have him as a neighbor.

never too late or soon

I enjoyed reading Jimmy Carter's thoughts on growing older, since I am getting older myself! The book has a lot of wisdom. As a Navy Veteran, reading about his Naval career was of particular interest to me. Jimmy and Roslyn had a quite an amazing life and contributed much to helping others in the years since his Presidency. Jimmy and Roslyn have been a positive influence for good throughout their lives. Although this was written years ago, it is still pertinent today. Reading the book made me realize there is still much good to be done and a lot of life to live in your later life!

I read this book several years ago, and decided on a re-read in light of President Carter's death at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024. Incredibly, he wrote this book while still in his early 70s, meaning he still had 25+ years to go! This book is full of practical advice on staying active in life, even if "involuntary retirement" hits you while still relatively young (Carter points out he was "involuntarily retired" from the White House in 1981 when he was only 56 years old). While pointing out some of the challenges faced by older people, Carter finds plenty of blessings to emphasize also. A very good book.

Review to follow

I found this book surprizingly interesting