The Virtues of Aging (Library of Contemporary Thought) - Softcover

Carter, Jimmy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345425928 ISBN 13: 9780345425928

Publisher: Ballantine Books Inc., 1998

Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Former president Jimmy Carter reflects on aging, blending memoir, anecdote, political savvy, and practical advice to truly illuminate the rich promises of growing older.

"As we've grown older, the results have been surprisingly good," writes former president Jimmy Carter in this wise, deeply personal meditation on the new experiences that come to us with age. President Carter had never enjoyed more prestige or influence on the world stage, nor had he ever felt more profound happiness with himself, with his accomplishments, and with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, than in his golden years. In The Virtues of Aging, Jimmy Carter shares the knowledge and the pleasures that age have brought him.

The approach to old age was not an easy one for President Carter. At fifty-six, having lost a presidential election, he found himself involuntarily retired from a job he loved and facing a large debt on his farm and warehouse business. President Carter writes movingly here of how he and Rosalynn overcame their despair and disappointment as together they met the challenges ahead.

President Carter delves into issues he and millions of others confront in planning for retirement, undertaking new diet and exercise regimens, coping with age prejudice, and sorting out key political questions. On a more intimate level, Carter paints a glowing portrait of his happy marriage to Rosalynn, a relationship that deepened when they became grandparents. Here too are fascinating sketches of world leaders, Nobel laureates, and great thinkers President Carter has been privileged to know--and the valuable lessons on aging he learned from them.

The Virtues of Aging celebrates both the blessings that come to us as we grow older and the blessings older people can bestow upon others. An important and moving book, written with gentleness, humor, and love, The Virtues of Aging is a treasure for readers of all ages.

About this title

About the Author

Jimmy Carter was the thirty-ninth president of the United States. After leaving the White House, he committed himself to humanitarian work, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His many books include the national bestseller Always a Reckoning and the acclaimed spiritual autobiography Living Faith. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, were married for seventy-seven years. Jimmy Carter died in December 2024 at the age of 100.

From the Back Cover

"We are not alone in our worry about both the physical aspect of aging and the prejudice that exists toward the elderly, which is similar to racism or sexism. What makes it different is that the prejudice also exists among those of us who are either within this group or rapidly approaching it. When I have mentioned the title of this book to a few people, most of them responded, 'Virtues? What could possibly be good about growing old?' The most obvious answer, of course, is to consider the alternative to aging. But there are plenty of other good answers--many based on our personal experiences and observations. "
--from THE VIRTUES OF AGING

Edition details

• Publisher: Ballantine Books Inc.
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0345425928
• ISBN 13: 9780345425928
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160