Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives

by Carl Honoré

Carl Honor� captured the zeitgeist with his international bestseller, In Praise of Slow . Now he tackles another rising global movement: our revolutionary new approach to a human inevitability--ageing.

A revolution in how we age is on its way. Yes, ageing is inevitable: one year from now we will all be a year older; that will never change. What can and will change is how we age--and how we can all take a much bolder approach to doing it with vigour and joy.
The time has come to cast off prejudices and to blur the lines of what is possible and permissible at every stage of life. In other words: we need to learn to re-imagine our approach to later life. Emboldening ourselves in older age demands big structural changes. For a start, we will have to tear up the old script that locks us into devoting the early part of our life to education, the middle chunk to working and raising kids, and whatever is left over at the end to leisure. In an age-inappropriate world, these silos will dissolve. We'll embrace the idea that we can carry on learning from start to finish; that we can work less and devote more time to family, leisure, and giving back to our communities in our middle years; and that we can remain active and engaged in our later years.
Carl Honor� has travelled the globe speaking to influential figures who are bucking preconceived notions of age, whether at work or in their personal lives. He looks at the cultural, medical, and technological developments that are opening new possibilities for us all. Bolder is a radical re-think of our approach to everything from education, healthcare and work, to design, relationships and politics. An essential and inspiring read for everyone interested in our collective future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Sociology, Health, Self Help

304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2019

About the author

Carl Honoré was born in Scotland, but grew up in Edmonton, Canada. After studying history and Italian at Edinburgh University, he worked with street children in Brazil. This later inspired him to take up journalism and, since 1991, he has written from all over Europe and South America, spending three years in Buenos Aires along the way. His work has appeared in publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Economist, Observer, American Way, National Post, Globe and Mail, Houston Chronicle, and Miami Herald. His first book, In Praise of Slowness, was an international bestseller. He is also the author of Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children from the Culture of Hyper-Parenting.

Reviews

[David Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually quite a difficult book for me to review objectively. I bought it virtually as soon as it came out, which is very unusual for me, because it seemed to be just what I needed at this stage in my life. However, I read pages of examples of older people doing incredible things which I have little hope of emulating. It reminded me of the Ideal Home Exhibition, not so much reality as a vision of perfection that you can try to approximate in the less salubrious surroundings in which you find yourself. I also found an implied requirement for you to not only be healthy, but time rich and money rich as well. That said, the book was constantly surprising, fascinating and engagingly written.

It was towards the end of the book that the truth dawned on me. I realised that two years ago when I was enjoying my job after my first ever promotion, earning more money than i had ever done and going to the gym twice a week I couldn't wait to achieve more, do more and look forward. Sadly, my company closed down our particular location, making me and all of my colleagues redundant, and, 18 months later, in a job I enjoy less, earning far less money and no longer having time/energy/inclination to go to the gym, I am still defined by it.

It's about 4 days since I read the book and I have to admit that notwithstanding my initial thoughts about this book, namely that it was as the review states that the examples were of these paragons of ageing, I cannot help but think that I have a more positive attitude. It has been a bit easier to look ahead, and a bit easier to think about ageing without dreading it. I will return to the book in the future, and perhaps dip into it from time to time as I feel inclined, and I am now fairly sure that those rereads will be of more and more use to me.

[Walter Adamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest. This book didn’t do much for me. The author says that he wrote the book because he felt ashamed or constrained by the numbers on his birth certificate. If you feel that way you may very well find the book to be of value. If you don't, you won't. I don't.

Just to preface my comments, I'm 71, survived 2 potentially lethal cancers, and read the book during a 4,000km trip to organise my brother's funeral and affairs after he died last week. So I think I am reasonably aware of "ageing".

The book has a couple of quotes which will save you reading the whole thing - namely "we contain all the ages we have ever been", and "we all age differently". Combine that with the knowledge that remaining curious keeps us younger and you have the gist of the whole 300 pages. Plus, it acknowledges the growing cohort who are keeping themselves in great shape via sports and exercise.

The whole book felt like a "project book" i.e. find a topic that will pay for travel for a year and sell enough to give me a decent income and get a commitment from a publisher. It could have been written by a knowledgeable content production farm in India or Bulgaria. It has no story, just "journalism".

To be fair, the author's main rallying cry is against the evils of ageism. If you continue to yearn for youth and perfection as you age, then you will find solace in his examples.

Personally, I only find economic ageism to be worth getting agitated about. Apparently, equality does not extend to not being excluded from employment simply because of your age - despite laws making it illegal. That really annoys me. Not that I would employ most people my age, but I would decide that based on their capabilities, not their age.

As for the rest of "ageism" I can take it or leave it. The author's examples of seniors breaking through ageism by graffiti-ing walls, or playing in rock bands, or DJing nightclubs leave me cold. They remind me of a conversation with my older sister. She told me that her theatre group of oldies was presenting a musical comedy, and asked if I would like to buy a ticket. I said, "Rose, I'm really glad that you enjoy it, and that's fantastic. But I couldn't imagine anything more awful than watching you all perform".

Exercise your body and mind, eat well, remain curious, and remain aware of the world around you, and you have the key ingredients of ageing well. Find your own way, that's all that matters.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bolder is not only an regular book about how to get to the fountain of youth. This is a deep analysis how our society changes the meaning "Youth" by pushing new standards based on marketing purpose. The author provides good reference about scientific experiences and focus to share his message which is that Be old is in our mind only.

#Bolder #NetGalley

[JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you reach the later year's of life it is nicer to find someone willing to put the positive aspects forward to remind you that there is still so much to learn/live for. This book gives that positivity and offers out useful and proven information on being in your 50s etc in a readable manner.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 - Book of the week:
How do we make the most of our longer lives?

Journalist Carl Honoré brought the Slow Movement to wider attention with his book ‘In Praise of Slow’. Now he charts a major shift in our approach to ageing as he meets the revolutionaries who are inspiring us to live better for longer.

Read by Darren Boyd

Abriged by Eileen Horne

Produced by Eilidh McCreadie

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring read! I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who is starting to worry about their age and thinking that its all downhill after 50. Bolder challenges ageism and offers a new approach to thinking about people as they age.

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from my mum. A Sunday morning read . Some interesting points.

[Amory · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made the most of my longer life by not wasting it reading this nonsense.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of food for thought in this book. Some interesting quotes:
“Ageing has given me the confidence to live for me, rather than for other people.”
Big benefit of being older, “We contain all the ages we’ve ever been “
“There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age.”

[Shahiron Sahari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting stories but nothing really new aside from trying to effect a widespread change in attitude.

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collections of anecdotes and research...basically the book is a reminder (if you need one) that you don't have to stop being you as you get older. And I speak as a person, who has enjoyed every decade of my life so far, and anticipate enjoying three or four more.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exercise 15 to 25 minutes every day.

Master a new skill.

Exercise is good for the brain.

Learn to enjoy your own company.

A smaller life can be a richer life.

Helping others boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and enhances general well being.

[Kent Winward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey anyone who makes me feel better about growing bolder. . .

[Friends of the Brooklyn Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patti: How to keep healthy rather than trying to stay young.
My favourite part of the book was: Quotes from a variety of people including this one from Eleanor Roosevelt: "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art".
Growing older, for most people evokes fear, anxiety, scorn and even revulsion. We believe that aging is a curse that makes us less attractive, less productive, less happy, less energetic, less creative, less healthy, less open-minded, less lovable, less strong, less visible, less useful, less ourselves. The message out there is that younger is better and being older SUCKS. Forgetting something is having a 'senior moment' and people tack on 'for your age' e.g. 'you look good for you age'.
There is a growing aversion to getting old or even looking old. Twenty somethings are turning to Botox, chemical peels and hair implants before going for an interview. Elder bashing is the latest form of discrimination. We are trying to cheat death and achieve immortality and become digital avatars and holograms so we can live on after we die. But in the end, there is no way out - we are going to get old and we are going to die.
There is a lot of research and case studies in this book, that point to living our lives to the full; not being concerned with what others think of us and to be yourself.
The older I get the more I have learnt to be happy in my own skin, including the wrinkles, age spots and varicose veins. I feel privileged to have lived to my age and been able to enjoy a family life with all its heartaches and pain, counter balanced with joy and excitement and love given and received. Life is full of ups and downs but it's how we choose to respond to the challenges that gives us meaning to our lives.
Three quotes from this book.
"There is nothing wrong with trying to look your best, but it's a problem when trying to look younger. The goal is health not youth." Ashton Appleton - Antiageism Campaign.
"Looks are only part of what makes people attractive. We are drawn to others by their courage, eloquence, intellect, achievements, kindness, wisdom, character, imagination, creativity, elan (sense of style) and sense of humour, most of which ripen as we age."
One of my favourite authors, Nicholas Sparks, writes "One of the great things about a leaf is that it reminds you to live as well as you can, for as long as you can, until it's finally time to let go and allow yourself to drift away with grace."

[Antonio Gallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

La via è l'obiettivo. Ho letto in contemporanea con questo un altro libro sulla "mindfulness" - "la consapevolezza". Il capitolo finale aveva lo stesso titolo che ho scelto per questa recensione. Sin da quando veniamo al mondo, ognuno di noi percorre una via. La nascita ha segnato un inizio, in un modo od un altro ci siamo resi conto che ci sarà un arrivo, una conclusione, diciamolo pure, una fine, nessuno ne uscirà vivo.

Per fortuna o purtroppo, le cose stanno proprio così. Dall'età di 30 anni, comincia il decadimento delle nostre qualità fisiche. La via che siamo costretti a percorrere ci indica l'obiettivo, che sarà la "fine". La vecchiaia è dietro l'angolo con il suo "obiettivo". L'ho detto e lo ripeto: nessuno alla fine della "via" uscirà vivo. Quello che possiamo fare organizzarci in modo da percorrerla (la via) nel modo migliore.

Dinosauro come sono, ho avuto modo di leggere molto su questo argomento. L'autore di questo libro ha usato un aggettivo in lingua inglese nella forma comparativa. "Bold" sta per coraggioso, "bolder " sta per "più coraggioso". Ecco, possiamo percorrere questa "via" in maniera più coraggiosa ben sapendo che non ne usciremo vivi ...

[Andréa Lechner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating account of ageing and the changes that our society is undergoing in the twenty-first century. Not particularly well written, but the book ambles along at a jolly pace, so one is not expecting high-brow literature. Many of Mr Honoré's anecdotes and examples are both fitting and compelling, which is why this book is ultimately a worthwhile read.
I would suggest many readers over the age of 50 will probably get a lot out of this book. I heard it first when broadcast on the radio, as a daily instalment, then decided to read it in full. I would maybe recommend it as an audio book, as it works better heard than read. Having said that, I have learned a lot about older people round the world, so that is definitely worth having, spending time reading about the more intricate aspects of ageing and coping with the challenges that come with the loss of faculties that we take for granted when younger.

[Catharina Kremer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message was great, however, I feel like this book could easily be cut down by around 50%. I also missed various other aspects of aging since the book primarily focused on the self getting old. I would have liked if it discussed the struggle of growing old while seeing your grandparents, your parents and eventually your peers die. It is such an integral part of life that everyone has to come to terms with. The author just went through these (don't get me wrong, eally awsome) older people and saying "look how great they have aged! Look what they have achieved later in life! If they can do it, so can you!" I also would have loved more practical advice as to how we can disrupt our ageist though patterns. In any case, it's a wonderful new perspective for me so I am glad I read it.

[Jasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honoré's basic argument, or manifesto if you will, is spot-on.

The book may have been improved if he didn't keep making the same point in myriad different ways, piling example on example. He sometimes forges ahead, breathlessly.

The voxpops he gathers don't add anything. In fact, they might put off the more rational, scientific kind of reader. Asking a young person what she thinks of older people doesn't really enlighten us (somewhere, there's always someone who'll say something about anything).

I especially like the idea that we shouldn't see our life stages as progressing from learning to working to resting. It's much better if we mix it all up - for instance, take sabbaticals when we're still quite young, or learn something new when we're 75.

[Miła · Rating 3 out of 5]

Na początku poczułam się zawiedziona.
Miałam poczucie czytania inwentarza. Zjawiska, społeczności, stowarzyszenia, wyczyny i instytucje orbitujące wokół przebojowych ludzi pomiędzy 50, a 100 rokiem życia.
Księga rekordów skupiająca się na nadzwyczajnych jednostkach, krewkich staruszkach, i ludziach sukcesu.
Na szczęście, po pewnym czasie zaczyna z tej wyliczanki wyłaniać się pewna ogólna strategia przetrwania. Autor oswaja starość, pokazuje jak na całym świecie kiełkują idee walki z ageizmem. Każda z postaci dokłada kolejna warstwę, z której powstaje w końcu całkiem optymistyczny, choć wciąż nie pozbawiony kilku rys, obraz świata, w którym szczęśliwe, spełnione życie oraz cały szereg aktywności przestają być ograniczane przez ramy wieku.
3,5/5

[Debs Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, a bit of a mixed bag.

Honore collects and shares stories of older people living well, in an attempt to demonstrate (if only to himself) that old doesn't need to equal virtually dead. As such, this could be viewed as an inspiring read. Unfortunately, it could also end up causing despair and despondency to those whose level of physical fitness is nowhere near either his or the other remarkable individuals he showcases. I think it just about falls on the right side of that coin, so long as you make it to the end.

[Sharen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed 'In Praise of Slowness' by Carl Honoré, so was looking forward to this new book by him. However, as a male at age 50, he is too young to approach the topic without an ego in bloom, something to which he freely admits throughout the book. He decries ageism, yet is quick to reveal how vanity teases and taunts him into preferring being thought of as youthful. I think he will mature in time.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buen ensayo que acerca juventud con hacerse una persona experimentada :)

Me quedaria con dos frases
1) la vejez no es la perdida de la juventud, sino una nueva etapa de oportunidad y fortaleza.
2) cómo nos sentimos con respecto al envejecimiento afecta a cómo envejecemos realmente

[Paul Cuthbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it gave some great examples of how life can be lived as we age. The final chapter gives the formula to live a long and healthy life and I am looking forward to it.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging examples of high-achieving seniors.

[Ninja Notion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good book about old age. How to grow old and not give a hoot about it. The older I get the more I agree. A completely fun read for alta kuckers (lit: old shits) of any age.

[Shayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring exploration of defying ageism and stereotypes as we grow older.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I abandoned this book because I didn't want to spend my time reading what a 48 year old had to say about aging. Seemed to be well written and narrated, but I didn't have patience for it.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging read but could be more succinct

[Pierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't felt the impact of ageism it's only because you are under 35. Just you wait! Your turn is coming so maybe you should read this book now !

[Matthew Fleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful

After reading this book, I’m less concerned about getting older and am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow.