In the Country of Old: Nine reflections from a new immigrant to the Country of Old

by Susan Abel Lieberman

In these nine essays, Susan Lieberman is exploring The Country of Old, in which she finds herself a new immigrant. She examines the difficulties of leaving "that other place" and making sense of this new country.

Lieberman's touch is light but her analysis of the challenges/opportunities of aging is provocative. "If we are not old, then we are dead, she notes. And if we are, indeed, not dead then how can we live well in this moment in our life span?

For Lieberman, it involves a reconstruction of expectations and a realistic assessment of decline. But if the subject is serious, spending time with these essays is akin to sitting down with an old friend over coffee.

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2023

About the author

I have been publishing books for over 30 years, and writing is clearly my addiction of choice, followed by reading. My books focus on different developmental stages, and all required interviewing. I so enjoy the kind of learning that provides. My last book, just out, is about what healthy people should be thinking about with regard to end-of-life.

I have a husband of 45 years I adore, two lovely sons, three degrees (includ. a Ph.D. in public policy), four careers (including teaching leadership and executive coaching), five grandchildren, experience living in seven cities, eight non-fiction books and, dozens of pounds gained, lost, gained over several decades.

I have spoken frequently over the years and enjoy it.

I am trained as a coach and as an interfaith minister and am certified in the Myers Briggs Type Instrument, Spiral Dynamics and Spiritual Intelligence. I am an ADEC recognized thantologist (which I joke means you get a skull and crossbones tattooed on your left thigh.)

I divide my time between Houston, TX and San Diego, CA.

Reviews

[Ruth Nemzoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inexpensive and incredibly wise book is a bargain for the amount of good insights, sage advice, and honesty within. Anyone adjusting to this last stage in life will benefit from reading this gem.

[Wally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of reflections on how the author deals with life in the new order of being 80+. She addresses what’s she hard to give up -some with a fight-what she’s gained (not just pounds) and what she’s lost (her feeling of relevance in parts of her definition of country of life). All is done with grace and humor thoughtfulness. As someone is also a member of,this country of old, it made me think how I’ve done entering this new country and where I’m not doing so well. A short thoughtful book geared toward those of us who are ‘old’.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful read of nine essays about the reality of being in your 80s. Some of her best quotes:
"My friends are eager to explain that I am NOT old. I am unpersuaded. It is not a state of mind but a state of being."
"It is not a bad thing to be old. It means I have managed not to be dead."
"When I crossed to the country of old, ambition did not make the trip. That predilection for responsibility didn't come either."
And those are in the first chapter.

[S. M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seniors, you’ll be sorry if you don’t read this book

In this little 38 page book is a world of wisdom. It is the unvarnished truth of the aging process. It has wonderful, funny moments and poignant thoughts. And now as a senior, I’ll probably buy it for all my senior friends thank you Susan Lieberman.

[Susan Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lieberman reflect on being 80 and the process if aging. With a soft, realistic touch she discusses coffee shops, doing what she wants to do and when, challenges and changes of aging. Wonderful, short read!

[Dana Eggerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

enlightening

Finally someone writes about aging with honesty and humor. Aging is a gift that is better than the alternative. Thank you

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in middle age to senior citizens would benefit from reading this series of short essays. The author discusses her experiences as she has aged into the Country of Old. Our minds don’t always sync with our physical bodies and our ailments.
Children of aging parents might be able to understand the challenges of growing older into the 70s and on by reading this book.
You could read the book in an hour or less.