The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How To Die Young as Late in Life as Possible Paperback – July 30, 2021

"The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging" is a treasure.  Stories,  jokes, insights from the experiences of dozens of the ageless "elderly" (with lovely, soulful photographs of the dozen men and women who are featured in depth) and Jason's warm, healing voice create a book that you will want to keep by your bedside.  Turn to any page, read a paragraph or two, and you will discover precious pearls of wisdom about living life to the fullest.  Best of all, you will find laughter.  I smiled when reading 80-year-old Carolee Schneeman's advice to "keep sexually alive, eat kelp, and have a pet" and I laughed out loud at Margaret Magnusson's advice (she is "between 80 and 100 years old") to "save your dildo, but throw the other 15 away."  (Magnusson is the author of "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning," a book I happily discovered in these pages;  another book that Jason introduces to the reader--now at the top of my lengthy "must-read books"--is 81-year-old Daninel Klein's "Travels with Epicurus.")I have to confess that it has taken me several weeks to read this book.  I just don't want to hurry it.  Pages are flagged, stories are starred, paragraphs are underlined -- well, you get  the idea.  This is a very special book that offers a surprise (or three) on each page--an ageless aged person's wise (and often humorous) advice about life and death, a favorite quotation or story perfectly placed to create an "aha" moment, powerful thoughts about food, exercise, resilience,  sex, and "dying young" that transcend the predictable to inspire humor, awareness, and appreciation for what it means to be fully, wholly human.  A disclaimer:  Many years ago Jason and I wrote two books together.  He is a very special friend.  When he asked me to review his new book, I hesitated, knowing I would write a fair and unbiased review and knowing, too, that I did not want to disappoint him.  On every page, however, I found myself wishing I had worked with him on this book so I would have had the opportunity to meet the men and women he interviews and accompany him on the journey of writing this truly wonderful, inspiring book.

As a younger person who has struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life, I am so thankful to have this book on my shelf. The Pathfinders profiled within are encouraging and inspirational, and their ideas, outlooks, and advice are applicable not only to those interested in aging gracefully, but to anyone interested in living gracefully; there is so much wisdom about what it means to live fully and with intention, no matter one's age. I personally found Jason's discussion about the neuroplasticity of the brain and the mind's ability to rewire itself to promote health and longevity particularly helpful, and I return to it often. Jason's breadth of experience in the healing arts, along with his warmth and compassion as a person, infuses the overall narrative with a rich, deeply personal voice. I am so grateful to have discovered this book in my 30's. It fills me with hope each time I return to it, and it will remain on my nightstand for years to come!

Written with humor, charm and creativity, I found that this book inspires me to live life more fully. It is an easy book to pick up and return to, as any of its chapters on the "seven graces" that Jason has identified has so much to offer. He received inspiration from the elders he interviewed and admires for their zest in life. I loved learning about these people! Jason has distilled their wisdom and and mixed it with his own. There is no short supply of knowledge here, and I appreciate his links to other resources for when I want to learn more about any of the topics he has identified. I am already applying these principles to my own life and reaping its benefits. Thanks so much Jason, and bravo for writing this book!!

As an aging person and psychotherapist, I recommend this book to anyone older wanting to grow and learn until they die!

I have read Jason Elias' other books and I'm so glad he turned to this topic now. His long history as a student and practitioner of so many different teachings for supporting a healthy body and mind really come together in this volume. His knowledge runs deep. The book is full of good wisdom, encouragement and truth. A real companion workbook to stay your best and even get better- well into the aging process. A salute to human vitality that is compassionate, inspiring and fearless. I always looked at the "old" in growing old. This book turns that notion on its head. Now I look at the "growing". Terrific read and great information. Bravo!

The wise one avoids the trouble that the smart one knows how to get out of!” This is the essence of reading Jason Elias’s book!!! I read it cover to cover, carefully, consciously and lovingly so I can extract as many pearls of wisdom from the experienced ones portrayed in it. And no, I’m not planning on dying soon, but yes, I am planning to continue staying young as long as I can in my heart n spirit. Thank you Jason for sharing your healing wisdom of writing with us all. Go, Get, THE, Book- you will whole heartily thank yourselves for doing so!!!!

Wonderful stories, a great sense of humor, and substantial information and resources. I read it in small batches to refresh my outlook and inspire me. There is much to chew on and investigate here. One of the great wizen healers reaches out. Love it!

I resent that I need to give up parties, fast cars, trendy clothes and plastic surgery now that I'm old. I really don't know who this book is meant to reach but it surely wasn't me. Maybe when I'm 100 I'll try reading again.