Main description:

Your indispensable guide to taking charge of the second half of your life.

From Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig, a top doctor with more than 35 years of experience caring for older people, Honest Aging is an indispensable guide to the second half of life, describing what to expect physically, psychologically, functionally, and emotionally as you age.

Leipzig, an expert in evidence-based geriatrics, highlights how 80-year-olds differ from 60-year-olds and why knowing this is important for your health. With candor, humor, and empathy, this book will provide you with the knowledge and practical advice to optimize aging. The book

* helps you recognize age-related changes in your body and mind and understand what's typical with aging and what's not;
* offers guidance for common health concerns, including problems with memory, energy, mood, sleep, incontinence, mobility and falls, hearing and vision, aches and pains, gastrointestinal problems, weight, and sex;
* shares advice on how to make decisions about health care, driving, and where to live;
* includes helpful checklists and lists of medications to prepare for doctor and hospital visits;
* recommends the best technology options, such as mobility devices, emergency device systems, and more;
* counters common myths about aging; and
* offers resources for additional information, self-help, and support.

Enriched by illustrations, patient stories, and deep dives into science and the latest research, Honest Aging gives you the tools to take control of your health and well-being as you age.

Contents:

Preface
Part I: Aging 101
Chapter 1. It's Only Aging, Get a Grip!
Chapter 2. What's Normal Aging? Or, 80 Isn't 60
Chapter 3. Better Living through Chemistry?
Chapter 4. More or Less: What's Right for You When It Comes to Health Care
Chapter 5. An Ounce of Prevention
Part II: What Really Matters As You Grow Older
Chapter 6. Mind Matters
Chapter 7. Energy Cycles
Chapter 8. Ups and Downs
Chapter 9. Balancing Acts
Chapter 10. Sleep Cycles
Chapter 11. Urine Trouble
Chapter 12. All Eyes and Ears
Chapter 13. Aches and Pains
Chapter 14. Gut Feelings
Chapter 15. Weighing In
Chapter 16. Sex Talk
Part III: Difficult Decisions
Chapter 17. Making Difficult Decisions
Chapter 18. To Move or Not to Move
Chapter 19. Do I Need to Stop Driving?
Chapter 20. Who Will Speak for Me?
Appendixes
1. Personal Emergency Response Systems
2. Assistive Devices
3. Getting Ready to Meet with Your Doctor
Index