Whenever I visit Sam’s Club, one department pulls me as soon as I walk in the door. Before food, laundry detergent, or even the bakery.
My cart takes me directly to the center of the store – to the books and magazines.
Sam’s Club offers several magazine titles, children’s books for all ages, bestsellers, and faith-based books. In this section, I found the new book How to Age Without Getting Old, from Joyce Meyer, a popular Bible teacher. (In fact, it was $2 cheaper than Amazon!)
The title alone quickly grabbed my attention. Many of us over 50 continually look for miracles to keep us younger: improved skincare products, make-up applications, or vitamin regimens. We may also realize that we need to pay more attention to our health, especially if we haven’t done so well for the last few years.
But we can’t stop the clock. But Joyce reminds us that aging better isn’t just physically but also mentally.
Joyce begins by sharing her past experiences to help us do better in our present. Because of doctor advice she would not accept in her 40s and 50s, Joyce was forced to follow it in her 70s. After working nonstop for years, excessive traveling, and not delegating enough to others, she now suffers adrenal fatigue. Joyce didn’t understand the importance of rest until it was almost too late.
Joyce, now 78 years young, tells us that life is a journey of varied and beautiful seasons. Understanding how we age is a part of that journey, not a hindrance. There are many advantages to aging as there are disadvantages, but there can be peace and joy in the journey. She asks: “Will you simply let yourself ‘get old’ or will you age gracefully, purposefully, and wisely, allowing God to use you in every season of your life? If you will, I believe your latter years can be absolutely wonderful.”
One way to keep from getting old is that a healthy mindset toward aging can help us be happy at any stage of life. No matter our age, it is essential to think about our later years, and she shares “how to do now what will benefit you as you age.” We should look forward to later life and believe that even though life will be different, it can still be exceptionally good.
Topics discussed in the book include:
- Slowing down the aging process
- Finding your new normal
- Understanding stress
- Learning to rest, and
- Listening to your body
Joyce reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, no matter what age we are! God isn’t finished with us at a certain age, and we can continue to be a blessing to others and enjoy life. We can give all our worries to God and embrace God’s grace for the season we are in.
As I was reading this book, I was reminded of a sweet Facebook post by a high school friend. Her mom is living with her, and she is in her later days. She now requires constant assistance because of her decline, anxiety, and confusion.
The post included photos of a Sunday not long ago when a small group of ladies visited my friend’s mom, who looked so excited and happy! I messaged to say that by the photos, I was encouraged! Her response was that her mom’s theme these days is “joy in the journey.” Yes, you could see the genuine joy in her mom’s face, but also the joy of her visitors. She is still a blessing to others by the example she is setting!
Other straightforward advice Joyce gives in her book:
- Focus on what you can do, not what you cannot do.
- Learn to laugh at yourself when you do silly things.
- Everything is for a season. When it’s is over, don’t hold onto what is no longer beneficial to you.
- Keep learning!
There have been many changes in my life recently. After reading this book, I was encouraged to look at this next season differently and am hopeful that I can live dynamically with peace and joy in the journey!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate, there may be links in this post, which if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You are in no way obligated to use these links.
6 responses to “Book Review: “How to Age Without Getting Old” by Joyce Meyer”
You will get a lot of encouragement from this book!
Oh this sounds like an awesome book! I am 72 but for me age is only a number. Since I went on my healthy eating plan in 2018 I feel so much better both inside and out. My one downfall is not getting enough strenuous exercise. (unless I can count running around with Lia in this category LOL) Thanks for sharing, I need to run and get this book;
I absolutely will be reading Joyce's book. During part of my career, I was a nurse practitioner who specialized in gerontology. Now, I am 70 years young and aging with awe! My dear aunt once said to me, “We have to learn to grow old.” I want to learn and help others learn to age “…gracefully, purposefully, and wisely, allowing God to use you in every season of your life?” Thank you for sharing this review.
It's reassuring to know that, unlike man, God does not discard us when we reach a certain age. Also, like your friend's mom, I believe in experiencing joy in every moment of my life's journey. Thanks for this book review.
I totally get this. I am trying to take better care of my skin these days. But having kids later — for us, seems to be helping with the keeping us young as well. LOLGood review. The book seems interesting!
It's never too early or too late to plan for good health and happiness. In the process, people often deny the fact they will die. It is important to plan for that inevitable event, too.