This author's text promotes a positive approach toward aging, buttressed by recent research and interviews with famous older Americans. Themes are loosely organized around two prominent theories of aging—"selective optimization with compensation" and "socioemotional selectivity theory"—both of which indicate that older individuals increasingly choose to engage with rewarding, positive people and activities. Exploring both psychological health (e.g., happiness) and physical health (e.g., balance), Castel brings good news. Older people are often more satisfied with life than stereotypes suggest, and may find some memory loss is balanced with greater wisdom. Simple physical exercise like walking promotes healthy aging (while obsessively working on computerized "brain games" does not). The variety of styles of retirement (early, partial, never) and their advantages and disadvantages are explored, again with positive elements highlighted. Advice from famous Americans, including John Wooden (beloved UCLA coach), John Glenn (astronaut), Maya Angelou (author), Bob Newhart (comedian), Jack LaLanne (exercise instructor), and Dave Brubeck (musician) are interesting and thought provoking. The text's broad brush approach to aging, while essentially accurate, may be most relevant for affluent white men, who are the majority of Castel's highlighted celebrities. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers and professionals.

--C. J. Jones, California State University, Fresno

Constance Judith Jones

California State University, Fresno