I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Jason Elias takes readers on a journey into what it means to be a member of the elderly community and how to show the world their continued value and worth to the world as a whole in the book, “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life as Possible”. 

The Synopsis

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging synthesizes and simplifies the components of conscious aging into a primer for individuals who are concerned about their own aging process and for those caring for the elderly who seek an enlightened understanding of how all of us may approach aging more consciously and, gracefully. In short, these Seven Graces can serve as stepping-stones toward attaining emotional or spiritual wholeness as we age.

Elderhood can be a time of reckoning, a time to look inside, to wonder where we have been, and where we are not going.The message of The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging is less about how to live a long life, and more about supporting vitality, being present, finding meaning and purpose, and sustaining a youthful heart-well into old age.

To shed light on this reckoning, I have interviewed and highlight the stories of a dozen individuals in their late seventies, eighties, and nineties, and one over one hundred. They are mentors, clients, and close friends. Each of these remarkable individuals, in his or her way, has refused to accept the timeworn script that equates old age with decrepitude. Instead, they have chosen to rewrite the script and embrace old age with dignity and grace. Listening carefully to their stories and insights inspired me and quieted my own fears about aging. They have become my Pathfinders, modern-day sages, who share their wisdom and experiences throughout this book.

In essence, as our Pathfinders show us, aging need not dictate dismal decline. When we debunk the negative preconceived notions of aging, we can even reverse the aging process. The studies cited in this book, along with the Pathfinders’ collective, lived experience and my 50 years in the healing arts, offer solid guidelines, practical resources, and inspiration for those who want to learn how to follow Dr. Ashley Montagu’s advice and die young as late in life as possible.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging include:

Rewriting the Script: reframing what it means to grow old;

Finding Your Tribe: honoring the importance of good relationships;

Practicing Mindfulness: learning techniques that enable us to live in the moment (the eternal NOW);

Awakening Joy through Simplicity and Humor: living a simple, appreciative, and accepting life;

Pursuing Your Passion: clarifying a long-dreamed vision or unrealized idea and practicing it;

Moving and Being Moved: exercising sensibly on a regular basis to prevent stagnation and enhance mental, emotional and physical vigor, acuity, and creativity;

Nurturing Your Body, the Temple of the Divine: giving your body the essentials it needs to thrive (clean air, nourishing food, pure drinking water, and loving relationships). 

The Review

One of the first things that I noticed about this book that readers are going to love is that this is the kind of book that becomes interactive with time. The author does an incredible job of building a book that causes readers to make notes, earmark pages, and keep tabs to come back time and time again as certain pieces of advice or steps the author has outlined become relevant to the reader’s life. The thorough and thoughtful way the author presented these chapters was well balanced with the personable and warmth of both the author’s words and the interviewees who participated to share their wisdom and views on life as we get older. 

I absolutely loved the duality of this book’s audience, as it not only speaks to older generations about how to not give in to any given narrative on how they are supposed to live their lives in their “golden years”, but also speaks to younger generations on how to live life to the fullest at all times, to find the people or community that will allow us to be our best selves, and to stop focusing on “perfection” as an ideal and instead learn to love ourselves and those around us as they are. The way the author is able to give tribute and honor to each interviewee and share these stories while accomplishing the goal of laying out these 7 goals makes this such a memorable read.

The Verdict

Honest, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jason Elias’s “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible” is a must-read book. The personal and memorable way the author was able to blend the stories of these incredible people with the lifelong lessons that readers can turn to time and again made for an absolute heartfelt read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jason Elias has had a lifelong passion for healing. His earliest memories include watching his Greek Jewish grandmother concoct herbal remedies and poultices in the kitchen of his boyhood home in Brooklyn. He would emulate his beloved elder by healing his family and neighbors with grass cuttings and sugar. As a young man, he studied psychology, acupuncture, and both Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine. His passion led him to study with many master teachers in New York City, California, the Philippines, Japan, China, India, and England.

Jason has been in private practice for more than 40 years, working with clients of all ages. He is the author of four previous books: Feminine Healing: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit (Warner Books) ISBN: 9780446672719, Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity: Understanding the Five Elemental Types for Health and Well-Being (Three Rivers Press) ISBN: 9780609802731, The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies (Dell Books) ISBN: 9780517149331, Kissing Joy As It Flies: A Journey in Search of Healing and Wholeness (Five Element Healing Press) ISBN: 9780996654203. For more information about his work, contact: http://www.fiveelementhealing.net