Never Too Late: A 90-Year-Old's Pursuit Of A Whirlwind Life

by Roy Rowan

Libraries are filled with volumes containing recipes for growing old gracefully. Most of them are based on mountains of research and statistics. Career correspondent and author Roy Rowan read many of these books, and found in them some good advice.   Never Too Late  is no such manual. It is simply one man’s views of the pleasures and potentials of old age based on a long life of adventure as a correspondent for the world’s leading magazines—and the lessons learned along the way from diverse groups of people, from the world’s most powerful leaders to some of the world’s most hapless individuals. Rowan interweaves quotes from experts in gerontology and other sage writers with his own experiences and insights. He addresses a spectrum of topics, including the subjectivity of the label “old,” the importance of optimism, and the fight to maintain independence as the years go by. He also encourages retirees to start a second career or activity, naming the Three E’s of Enthusiasm, Exertion, and Energy as the keys to pursuing a new passion.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a thought-provoking read for any Baby Boomer - or anyone interesting in understanding the aging process. Roy Rowan is a 90 year American writer who shares his reflections from years of covering stories for Life Magazine. He has walked with world leaders and covered 'hot spots' and war zones - places that those of us reading about his work today would never dream of visiting. From China's Communist take-over to the fall of Saigon and from the JFK assassination to his friendships with American luminaries including President Gerald Ford and Henry Luce, Roy discusses his life and his views on longevity. He shares with us his perspective on 'the secret sauce' that has kept him going strong throughout his life. If you're feeling right old now, I suggest that upi read this and you'll be rejuvenated by Roy's enthusiasm and thoughts on living a great life!

[Iva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rowan starts out with a few essays on how to grow old gracefully (as he considers that he has done). He crisply tells readers many of the same things suggested everywhere: develop a hobby, try new things, be positive. But then he shifts to discuss his own life and the book becomes something else. He covers his life as a writer and publisher and he is a solid and interesting writer.

[Katie Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of valuable lessons that are applicable as a post grad. Dare to push your limits and become a master in your field.

[Jim Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Rowan led an active and intriguing life. I should say he “is leading” such a life—not past tense. His days as a war correspondent traveling all over the world may be over (or not), but his active lifestyle and writing are not finished. He intends to keep on doing it all till the end. I was hoping for more psychological, maybe spiritual nuggets of wisdom from the book, but Rowan does a lot of showing vs. telling. We can learn much from his simple act of purchasing a new car at ninety. He lives the life he recommends for us all and proves the old Yogi Berra quote, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” Inspiring.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still trying to catch up on Goodreads, so.......... Put on your big girl/big boy pants and read this book! Enjoy your life and quit your crying. If you can't run, jog. Can't jog? Walk. Walking tires you? Walk more slowly and less distance. In other words, if this 90 yr. old man can find fun, excitement, curiosity, exuberance, in his waning years, So Can You! Read the book!

[Dede Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed all but a chapter or two of this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

-Satchel Paige

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting memoir though rather tedious at times with so many personal historical references