Thursday, May 3, 2012

When Norma Roth, author of Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity and Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly, looks over the landscape of change and opportunity for a massive segment of the U.S. population, that being Senior Citizens and Baby Boomers moving in that direction, she can comment that "this is a good to be growing older. With the accelerated pace of science and medicine holding the promise of increased longevity and the elderly (whom Ms. Roth calls the Silver Generation) showing they do not and will not drop out of life, it really is going to be fascinating to watch the next 20 years unfold."

And now, with the economic downturn impacting seniors, the decision by those past the "traditional" retirement to stay in the work force is bringing in an additional dynamic that will have untold consequences, probably on the positive side. In fact, many whose personal fortunes would allow them to retire and instead electing to stay in the game, which Norma Roth sees and fantastic and really plays into her notions of encouraging the aging population to "stay engaged in order to stay mentally and physically healthy." Roth says those who are growing older must be aware of the false concepts, attitudes and behavior patterns in society regarding age that would hold them back-- and then plan for a robust and full future.

In her book debunking the social myths and attitudes about the older generation are extensively dealt with, including tips to keep people off your back; questions that should not be asked and responses to them. Roth also suggests a new way of looking at absentminded as a positive, rather than a negative and utilizing strengths rather than weakness as well as building on an extensive knowledge base already existing within the individual brain Roth calls a Personal Retrieval Systems (PRS) within the brain that is remarkably similar to computers..

As eminent social-psychologist Eric H. Erikson and his wife Joan said in a study that extended the life cycle to include this growing group of dynamic group: "the ultimate capabilities of the aging person are not yet determined...." Described as "collectors of time and preservers of memory," the Eriksons ascribe positive qualities of experience, wisdom and integrity endemic to the later stages of life (who else has the experience and wisdom of older people, asks Roth) and posits these qualities as lifelong developing processes -- a new cycle of life-- but definitely NOT a drop-out one! And one that can and should continue to offer arenas of participating on every level"!

Roth reminds those growing older that Silver Generation is the largest growing population in the country. As such, they have, or should have and certainly will have, a powerful "voice" in determining the future. What will they do with it? How important will it be? How significant? Well, that remains to be seen. This I can tell you with certainty: Grey power is growing every day and will become quite a powerful force in the life of our communities and our country. It is only a matter of time.

However, a wide spectrum of issues about the myth surrounding older people s new generation must be considered and dealt with if the Silver Generation are to move forth without the baggage that out-dated attitudes would shackle them with. One need only look around and notice the members of the older generation who are embracing the wonders that science and technology are bringing to them. One friend extols the virtues of her knee replacement, another of his new hip replacement and rotator cuff. Others speak of changes in nutrition and diet that are seen to increase energy; those who have begun regular exercise talk of a clarity of mind and thought that becomes available with the adoption of these activities.

Aging activist Norma Roth, urges members of the Silver Generation to get on the Silver Generation Express and explore the vast battery of data that will convince you that you can and should renew acquaintance with your strengths, not lost but found; be introduced to your Personal Retrieval System through which you can access, retrieve and utilize a large spectrum of your stored knowledge and experience. These areas are more fully in her book: Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Gracefully: Aging Defintly. 



Here is a review of Norma Roth's book, Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity and Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly by Bettie Corbin Tucker, an Independent Reviewer:



As I read Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity & Spunk Intact: Aging Defiantly by Norma Roth, I soon found myself reading the words as her cheerleader. More! I wanted to read more about the subject! The information she presents is a result of research, personal experiences, and the desire to help debunk many myths about aging that she considers to be "hogwash." She refers to the aging population as the "Silver Generation," encouraging them to take charge of their lives by refusing to be controlled by exaggerated fears and negative thinking. Ms. Roth discusses how "that" generation can live productive, fulfilling lives into their seventies, eighties, and nineties. After all, they have a vast amount of knowledge, experience and expertise to draw from--a storage retrieval system. Her writing is full of wit and wisdom and describes "the art and not the agony of growing older."

Although I am a member of the Silver Generation, when I burn food that I am preparing, forget where I place an item, or ask myself why I've gone into a room to get an article, it is my opinion that, with aging, I am simply paying more attention to my own behavioral patterns, fearing that others may think I'm "losing it." But, if seniors think about it, most will admit that they did the same things in their earlier years--perhaps not as often but, nevertheless, they did them.

The author reinforces this concept, telling our generation not to panic; she provides some simple suggestions to avoid such distractions and occurrences. As far as absentmindedness, she turns a negative into a positive, citing Albert Einstein as an absentminded genius. Instead of being absentminded, she explains that our minds are full of things we have learned and not on matters of the moment. Rather than planning for when we are put out to pasture, we need to plan for life! One way to do that is to test the concept of a storage retrieval system.

The second part of the book discusses how to unleash this Personal Retrieval System by going on a treasure hunt within one's self. The journey will take readers down familiar paths as they access and retrieve stored information that can be utilized to live fuller and more productive lives. The author offers the Silver Generation some basic rules for success in harnessing the power of the brain to access this information. As I continued to read, I began thinking about the piano lessons that I had taken as a young child. My sister, who also took lessons, became quite a musician; however, I quit after only a year. It was a decision I regretted in adulthood; therefore, a few days ago, I purchased some lesson books from our local music store and began practicing again.

Little by little, what I learned as a child is coming back to me, and I now plan to build on that foundation. The author, obviously much more talented in this area than me, tells a similar story; this is what gave me the courage to try again. If you think it is impossible to learn something new, Norma Roth says that such thinking is hogwash. (I love how she uses that word throughout her book.) Science suggests new brain cells might just be available for new learning. As we age, we must "use it or lose it." There are endless opportunities for the Silver Generation when members choose to empower themselves. Admittedly there may be physical challenges along the way, so it is very important not to cheat on nutrition, vitamins, or sleep.

Do you want to know how to deal with the "word supplier" and the "word corrector"? What about the finisher of sentences, or looks given that are meant to embarrass you? How do you handle a disrupter? The author addresses these situations and gives examples of appropriate responses to those who might try to intimidate you. Yesterday, I used one of those responses and found it very effective.

I cannot stress how important I think this book is to society as a whole. It is easy to understand and well written with some repetition for emphasis. Even those who are not presently part of the Silver Generation will, barring unfortunate circumstances, continue to age. This book will help prepare them for a long and fulfilling life. I give Aging Gracefully my highest recommendation and consider it a "must read."

For media interviews contact Promotion in Motion at 323-461-3921 or

brad@promotioninmotion.net