1. < Aging Well
Profile picture for binw

Good reads especially meaningful to elderly folks

Posted by binw @binw, Dec 2 4:20pm

As an octogenarian, I can honestly say I have found many reasons to be happy with this stage of my life. I know I am not going to live forever, but really try to make the most of whatever time I have remaining. Some days that is harder than others, but as an avid reader, I can usually lose myself in a good book, and regain my positive attitude.

As an Amazon kindle unlimited member, a membership that I highly recommend, I sometimes get recommendations for books of many genres. Recently, I discovered a little book, by a new auithor, named DB Stryker. It is a poignantly written poem about loss, which we experience at all stages of life. It touched me deeply, and I want to share it with you.

The book is called "The Leaf That Was Afraid to Fall", and it is available to read for free in kindle unlimited, or to purchase on Amazon. It is a beautiful little book.

Please share your own recommendations for books that are meaningful to you, and why they have moved you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Profile picture for fancyduncan
fancyduncan | @fancyduncan | Dec 7 2:19am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@binw Thank you for starting this discussion. I'm 73-years-old and mostly retired. Since retiring from full-time..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@binw Thank you for starting this discussion. I'm 73-years-old and mostly retired. Since retiring from full-time work I've spent more time reading novels. I like literary fiction.

Any of the short stories or novellas by Claire Keegan. My favorite of hers is "Small Things Like These". I've read that novella many times.

Two of her stories were made into films in which both are true to the novellas. "Small Things Like These" (with Cillian Murphy) and "Foster".

Jump to this post

@naturegirl5
Yes just love the Claire Keegan books you mentioned. I read anything written by her. Love the great editing compared to long winded books. 🥳

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for dj12
dj12 | @dj12 | Dec 7 5:08am
In reply to @maggieb892 "I think "The swedish Art of death cleaning" should be on everyone's reading lists. It helped..." + (show)
Profile picture for maggieb892 @maggieb892

I think "The swedish Art of death cleaning" should be on everyone's reading lists. It helped me realize that that the treasures I keep will be thrown away by my kids after I die, should be given away to friends or neighbors or organizations who can use them. Linens and towels you used when you lived in a4 bedroom house can be repurposed by homeless shelters or Good Will when you move into a one bedroom apartment. When my husband and I downsized and moved to another state, I gave my kids the China and glassware. I enjoy seeing them on holidays when my son sets his table.

Jump to this post

@maggieb892
Don't forget the animal shelters for old towels and linens. They use these in carriers and to cover carriers/hav-a-heart traps (traps to catch strays) plus add them to cages for animals to burrow in if they are scared. I would collect food, linens, toys, etc at work for animal shelters and they were happy for linens and bed covers.

REPLY
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 7 7:52am
In reply to @fancyduncan "@naturegirl5 Yes just love the Claire Keegan books you mentioned. I read anything written by her...." + (show)
Profile picture for fancyduncan @fancyduncan

@naturegirl5
Yes just love the Claire Keegan books you mentioned. I read anything written by her. Love the great editing compared to long winded books. 🥳

Jump to this post

@fancyduncan Another fan of Claire Keegan. I have all of her books and short stories on my bookshelf.

REPLY
Profile picture for ann78
ann78 | @ann78 | Dec 7 4:06pm
In reply to @methel "@blm1007blm1007 Yes. Great topic. This book changed my life, but a warning: it is likely most..." + (show)
Profile picture for methel @methel

@blm1007blm1007

Yes. Great topic.

This book changed my life, but a warning: it is likely most useful if you are already a practicing Christian. By Missy Buchanan, “From Dry Bones to Living Hope.” It’s a workbook to help yourself get out of the “I’ve lived too long and my life has no purpose anymore” doldrums.

Jump to this post

@methel Thank you, I will purchase it. I have been going through a hard time thinking (what is my purpose).

REPLY
Profile picture for gmarosie
gmarosie | @gmarosie | 6 days ago

Volunteering is a wonderful way to fill some of those empty hours. I have become an ESL tutor this past year. Have never taught before, so this has been educational for me and the student is so appreciative(it is one on one). Retirement does leave you wondering what to do. I babysat for my great niece until she started kindergarten and was back to looking for something to fill some of the hours! There is a great need for tutors and it is so fulfilling.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.