Resources

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on “a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise” (Elizabeth Gilbert). This description is taken from the Amazon site, and the book is recommended by one of our wellness specialists.

In “Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older”, author Wendy Lustbader, (who has worked for several decades as a social worker specializing in aging issues), conducted first-hand research with older adults in all walks of life. She found overwhelmingly that they spoke of the mental and emotional richness they have drawn from aging; and rather than experiencing a decline from youth, aging people were happier, more courageous, and more interested in being true to their inner selves than were young people she interviewed. A good counter-balance to the “fear of aging” stereotypes in the media.

“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. (2016). This book is a record of the unprecedented week that these two spiritual luminaries spent together to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. The book offers a chance to listen in as they humbly explore how they have developed lives of peace, courage and joy despite experiencing severe challenges of loss, violence and oppression in their lifetimes.

“Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters Most”, by Atul Gawande (2014). This book was an honest recognition by a medical doctor that the medical profession has not always considered the human and personal needs of the patient when wanting to use the doctor’s knowledge and skill to “cure” or at least alleviate the maladies that afflict us as patients, especially in the later years of life. It gave me hope that there are some who are recognizing the importance of giving patients all their options and the subsequent consequences of each. It is also a reminder to us as patients and/or potential patients that we are the ones who need to let doctors know what we want to be able to do in our life while living with whatever disease or condition we happen to have. Very readable and encouraging! (from Linda M., Wellness Specialist).

“The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk and Adventure in the 25 Years after 50”, by Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot. In this book, the author talks about revisiting paths not taken in earlier years, and about being open to new adventures rather than staying purely in your comfort zone as you grow older.