Family Caregiver Alliance Recommends Aging in Stride

Connie Parsons, Director of Marketing

Reprinted from the Update "Reader's Corner," Winter 2005, Vol. 22 No. 1 from the Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. Please visit their website at www.caregiver.org

Aging in Stride: Plan Ahead, Stay Connected, Keep Moving

Christine Himes, M.D., Elizabeth N. Oettinger, M. Div, and Dennis E. Kenny, J.D.  (2004) Caresource Healthcare Communications, Inc., Seattle WA.  $24.95. The Aging in Stride authors did their homework and it shows. This well-organized guide on the topic of "healthy aging" provides a meaningful, straightforward and succinct resource for individuals and professionals, baby boomers and older adults alike. The book begins by laying out four foundation building blocks for healthy aging: planning and teamwork, staying physically active, relationships with others, and nurturing your spirit. Rather than making judgments, the authors provide objective text and links to online information as well as useful checklists that allow the reader to assess their current situation and identify steps to help them or their loved one plan and age well. Resource information and tips on a wide variety of topics are included, such as: How to Shop for Long-Term Care Insurance; Getting Ready for a Care Conference; How to Hire In-Home Help; Tips for Working with Busy Agencies; and Practical Issues at the Time of Death. All are covered in the core section of the book or are available on the AgingInStride.org website.

The Family Caregiver Alliance is a public voice for caregivers.  More on their pioneering programs information, education, services, research, and advocacy that support and sustain the important work of families nationwide caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions can be found on their website at www.caregiver.org.  Also on their website are current and archived editions of their newsletter, the Update.

Excerpts from Other Recent Reviews

November 2005, Senior Beacon

"...A new book Aging in Stride authored by a geriatrician, lawyer, pastor team, provides a lot of information, which combined with a bit of effort, can go a long way in making our lives much easier as we grow older. The book's message is clear. With just a little planning and teamwork; by staying physically active; by maintaining relationships with others, and by devoting some time to nurturing your spirit the golden years of our lives can be just that golden...."

December 2005, Pacific Northwest Retirement

"This reference book identifies a multitude of aging issues and provides practical strategies for solutions. It celebrates the spirit of aging and the tools we have to make the best choices for our future. It helps readers create a plan of action that focuses on wisdom, experience, and maturity, based on attitude and willingness to make health investments...."