We
Boomers are getting older. Otis wants us to do so truly living life.
With right planning and a good attitude, he writes, we can make our
latter years some of our best. His book is written with a sense of
humor yet contains valuable and practical information. It is truly an
encouragement to not give up but live life to its very end.
This
book is a joy to read. Otis has a quirky sense of humor. Just when
the subject matter is getting serious, he inserts a few groaners to
help make the material more enjoyable.
But
the meat of the book is the great advice Otis has for us. Some of
that advice is practical. He writes about the dangers of falling and
includes good tips to prevent it. He writes about the necessity of a
Legal Advanced Health Care Directive, how to evaluate care facilities
and potential care givers, the importance of understanding the
meaning of your life, the essential nature of belief in God, and much
more.
Woven
through the humor and the practical advice is evidence of Otis'
heart. He wants us to have the right attitude for truly living life.
He emphasizes choice. We can choose to really live. He suggests
helping others and allowing others to help us. He advises going
barefoot more often, watching more sunsets, trying new things,
staying curious and learning something new, and much more. He reminds
us that people who convince themselves they can't – won't.
He
tells loads of stories. One that struck me was his going to a
friend's 101 year birthday party. His friend had to use a walker, had
trouble hearing and seeing, yet was the life of the party. He was the
life of every party he'd been to, Otis writes. What an example of not
letting physical disabilities get in the way of living life to its
fullest.
This
is not just a book for the elderly. Otis has included great tips for
care givers and those visiting the sick, such as what to say and not
say. He also has great information for younger readers, especially
those anticipating caring for elderly loved ones.
Otis
is somewhat of an authority on the subject of aging. He's eighty
five, in pain from a previous surgery gone wrong, and thoroughly
living life. He lost his loving wife a couple of years ago yet has a
positive attitude. He's in an assisted care facility yet uses the
experience to interact with people and learn. He is a good example of
really living life no matter one's age or physical condition. As Otis
notes near the end of his book, “It is never too early to plan your
life's journey. It is never too late to live it.” (188)
A
little warning to my regular blog readers. Otis is of the Jewish
faith. Belief in God is important to him but there is no mention of
Jesus. Also, much of Otis' humor is sexual in nature. While there was
nothing seriously offensive, I did get tired of the subject of his
jokes.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Bernard
Otis had a successful career in Food Service Facility Planning,
Marketing, Management and Sales. He has worked with major
corporations and hotels. He is an active speaker, writer, and
community leader. He is a trained hospice care giver and is a
consultant to Lifeline Companion Services. He currently lives in an
assisted living facility in West Hills, California. You can follow
his blog at www.seniormomentswithbernieoptis.com.
Incorgnito
Publishing Press, 194 pages.
I
received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher
for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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