A Long Bright Future

I read this book after seeing Laura Carstensen quoted in Time Magazine's excellent multi-faceted March 2, 2015 cover story on aging. Ironically, I was reading this while waiting as my wife was getting cataract and lens replacement surgery that will enable her to see better than she's ever seen in her entire life. Along with about 30 other "old people" who were about to experience the same miracle of modern medical technology on an assembly line to fix their eyes for life in a 10-minute operation.The previous reviews here for "A Long Bright Future"--while mostly 4- and 5-star--seemed somehow less than passionate, as was the audience to whom Carstensen presented in a 2012 TED YouTube video soon after "A Long Bright Future" was published. It's hard to be passionate about something none of us really understands nor appreciates yet ... that we are the first demographic cohort to really experience not just the government's plan for how Social Security, Medicare and 401(k)s will work together to sustain our after-work passage but also to learn how to make the most of additional years of longevity that we are all inheriting.It's kind of a "be careful what you wish for" circumstance we find ourselves in. We are constantly guilted for not saving enough for retirement, but no one ever planned for us to live this long or to have access to medical innovations that are adding quality years if not decades to our lives. As a 65-year old who still enjoys working, I read much of the daily barrage of articles and books about preparing emotionally and financially for retirement and have posted several of my reviews on Amazon for books like "Falling Short" and "Unretirement." "A Long Bright Future" adds a broader perspective to the discussion by reassuring us that we're not stupid for not preparing. We just need to appreciate what's happening in a broader, more opportunistic way.Several of the Amazon reviews here also raise the questions, "who is this book for?" and "who can best benefit from its message?" One reviewer was disappointed that Carstensen didn't describe what the future was actually going to be like. This reminded me of conversations I used to have with a colleague who also enjoyed science fiction movies that portray the future. He observed that most future visions were broken-down architectures from where we live in today, often bleak and dark, but with some cool new technology in the middle of the scenes. Think "Blade Runner." Carstensen points out that it's difficult for each of us to really envision a future that's not deeply impacted by what we know and do today. So, it seems to me that this book will benefit people of all age groups, but probably mostly 40- to 70-somethings will take the time to read it. But in doing so, we can all benefit in realizing that we can be productive and offer value to others for much longer than today's political debates and financial industry alarmists portray.Because as difficult as it is to make good decisions, many of these debates and alarmists are correct that something must be done if we are to live into our 90's and beyond. Laura Carstensen helps to us to think and plan at a deeper level to take better advantage of the extra time we have to gain greater satisfaction in what we can do for others and for ourselves.

Not what I was expecting, but very informative and enjoyable read.update in July 2018 - I have often thought about Dr. Carstensen's ideas presented in this book. When it came time for my to do my thesis in my LL.M. program. I turned to some of her ideas to complete it. Dr. Carstensen has many good insights about how we have to look at aging differently and if we are to look at aging differently, perhaps we should approach the earlier life a little differently too. Life might be better and maturity developed more appropriately with an outlook that is less of a mad rush and more intentional and paced.

This is the first time I have been compelled to submit a review of a book on Amazon. I just finished reading Dr. Carstensen's book and I am so excited to share it with others. Fortunately, I will be able to do so as I will be teaching a class entitled "Growing with Intention: Having the Life you Want after Age 40" through my local college's continuing education program starting in February 2011. Dr. Carstensen's book challenges baby boomers to change the way aging is viewed in our culture. I am so encouraged by her message. And, I am so thankful that I discovered this book just in time to share it with my students!

A well written book on getting older, full of studies, theories, ideas to put to good use. However, as an aged person myself I found some of the suggestions impractical for those of us who have already reached our"older " years. The author suggests a complete cultural change, which in my experience is not too practical, more a wish than a hope. However, there are some good points in it for all generations to consider.

This is the most optimistic (and yet realistic) book I have read about making the most of our extra 30 years of life. I am 82 and I wish people in their 40s and 50s would read it and plan for their future!

As a member of the recently retired Boomer generation, I found Laura Carstensen's analysis and outline for redefining life stages to be most interesting. A needed economic, political, and cultural shift. It has caused me to rethink how I can positively impact others as I live my life and continue to grow older.

Gave as a gift. Assume everything was okay. No complaints. Wish I had the option of limiting future recommendations just to items I buy and ship to myself.

This book has good content, is clearly written. The author provides a fresh way of viewing the elderly population's value to society.

Fantastic read and enjoyable

To understand where humanity is going and how to take advantage of the changes of our longer life this is an ideal book. It is a book well written, fun sometimes, positive and always looking at opportunities to have a happier life.