In our ongoing effort to meet both mandates of “Connections”, informing readers about RGP services and promoting wellness by providing information on matters relevant to aging and health, following is a book review of Successful Aging (1998), J.W. Rowe & R.L. Kahn, Pantheon Books, New York, 252 pages, by Joanne Fitzgibbon, Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program.

Successful Aging is a tremendous book that is a must read for anyone interested in some of the most current research on healthy aging. The book is written in a style that makes it accessible to both interested readers and health professionals alike. The authors are members of the The MacArthur Foundation. They describe the Foundation as a group of scholars from major disciplines relevant to aging, developing the conceptual basis for a “new gerontology” or a new understanding of aging.

The book deals with three fundamental questions about human aging: What does it mean to age successfully? What can each of us do to be successful at this most important life task? What changes in American society will enable more men and women to age successfully. The first two questions are relevant and timely. Despite the fact that the third question is discussed from the perspective of individuals living within the context of the United States, there are some very relevant points for Canadians to consider.

The first section of the book begins with a chapter on breaking down the six most common myths of aging. The authors take a very novel approach to dispelling these myths in acknowledging that “like most myths, the ones about aging include a confusing blend of truth and fancy”. The truth is acknowledged and discussed and the fancy is refuted with current scientific data.

The next section lays out the central theme of the book. The concepts of usual aging and successful aging are explored. I think this differentiation is possibly the authors’ greatest contribution to readers. The late 1980s is when I first became familiar with the work of Rowe and Kahn and they have continued to develop their thinking about aging since that time. This book discusses their most current work and gives hope that a “new gerontology” is emerging.

The next few chapters explore the research around keeping well in old age. The following topics are considered: nature versus nurture; avoiding disease and disability in later life; the role of exercise and nutrition in maintaining health; beyond exercise: strategies to maintain and enhance physical performance in old age; and maintaining and enhancing mental function in old age. These chapters provide information based on the most current research and are illustrated with great stories.

One measure of society’s perspective on aging is explored through the products that market youth. Chapter nine in the book looks at the most popular anti-aging products and outlines what to believe about them and what to reject. This chapter is full of clear and useful information. It has been my experience that many individuals who come into contact with health professionals are very uninformed about these products and often make poor choices, sometimes with dire consequences. I believe that this chapter is important reading for health professionals so that informed information can be provided.

The next two chapters are the ones I found to be most interesting. The first, Relating to Others, supports the importance of human connection to successful living as we age. The concept, goodness of fit, with respect to social support is a fascinating one. It deals with ideas related to providing the right kinds of social support, in the right amounts, in the right ways for aging individuals. Health care practitioners having contact with older adults and their caregivers would benefit from reading this section and exploring it further.

The next chapter, Productivity in Old Age, may challenge some reader’s views and help in developing a new understanding of the concept, productivity. In the current political and economic climate, it would seem that there is more public discussion focusing on different age groups competing for scarce resources. Many times productivity or future productivity becomes the mythical foundation used in such misguided debates. This chapter provides information that can bring ”the voice of reason and accurate information” to debates which characterize the old as unproductive.

The final chapter, Prescriptions for an Aging Society, is written from an American perspective and is based on the social, political and legal circumstances of that society. Nonetheless, it is worth reading and fuels the fires of thought about aging and change in Canadian Society.

At the end of their book, Rowe and Kahn have included an extensive reference list organized by chapter entitled “Notes”. This is a bonus for individuals wishing to explore some of the topics in more depth. This book acts as an introduction to many of the topics covered and provides an excellent place to begin.

I would encourage anyone to pick up this book up and at least scan it. Not all of the information is completely new. It is not a “how-to” book. It is simply a great book that might challenge some of your thoughts about aging. And what more could you ask?