Women Writing about Aging/Longevity

A woman in white shirt and jeans posing for the camera.

I finally know the difference between pleasing and loving, obeying and respecting. It has taken me so many years to be okay with being different, and with being this alive, this intense.

― Eve Ensler

 

Aging

Here are a few examples of books both science based and cultural, written about aging and longevity by women. There is a rich tradition and history of women’s writing on the topic of getting older. Many are an inspiration and blessings in my life.

Books written by Women on Aging

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” by Ashton Applewhite – This book challenges the stereotypes associated with aging and advocates for a more positive and inclusive perspective on growing older​ (ChangingAging)​.

“The Art of Growing Old: Aging with Grace” by Marie de Hennezel – De Hennezel offers a thoughtful exploration of aging, emphasizing self-acceptance and the emotional and spiritual aspects of growing older​ (Paul Finch Unofficial Author Website)​​ (Spine & Leaf Books)​.

“Women Aging Gracefully: Profiles of 12 Women Over 100″ by Carol Ann Hamilton – This book features inspiring stories of women who have lived to be over 100, showcasing their resilience and the wisdom they’ve gained over the years​ (Paul Finch Unofficial Author Website)​.

“The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time” by Cameron Diaz – Diaz delves into the science of aging, providing insights and advice on how to age gracefully and maintain strength and vitality​ (Paul Finch Unofficial Author Website)​​ (Spine & Leaf Books)​.

“70Candles! Women Thriving in Their 8th Decade” by Jane Giddan and Ellen Cole – This book shares the experiences and reflections of women in their seventies, highlighting the joys and challenges of aging in this era of increased longevity​ (ChangingAging)​.

“Growing Old: Notes on Aging with Something Like Grace” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas – In this memoir, Thomas reflects on her own experiences of aging with humor and insight​ (Spine & Leaf Books).

Here are some more notable books on aging written by women:

“The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully” by Joan Chittister – This book offers a series of essays reflecting on the spiritual and emotional aspects of aging, encouraging readers to embrace this stage of life with dignity and joy​ (The Senior List)​.

“Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age” by Mary Pipher – This book combines personal anecdotes and research to provide a roadmap for women navigating the challenges of aging, focusing on resilience and finding joy​ (Literary Hub)​​.

“Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis” by Ada Calhoun – Calhoun examines the unique pressures faced by Generation X women as they reach middle age, offering a blend of research and personal stories​ (Literary Hub)​.

“Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality, and Well-Being” by Dr. Christiane Northrup – Northrup challenges conventional notions about aging and provides strategies for maintaining health and vitality well into later years​ (Prime Mag)​.

“Flash Count Diary: Menopause and the Vindication of Natural Life” by Darcey Steinke – A personal memoir that explores the author’s experience with menopause and reflects on societal attitudes towards aging women​ (Literary Hub)​.

Here are even more books on aging written by women:

“Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life” by Louise Aronson – Aronson provides a comprehensive look at aging in America, discussing the medical, social, and personal aspects of getting older​ (Shepherd)​.

“French Women Don’t Get Facelifts: The Secret of Aging with Style and Attitude” by Mireille Guiliano – This book provides a French perspective on aging gracefully without the need for invasive procedures​ (Prime Mag)​​ (Spine & Leaf Books)​.

“I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman” by Nora Ephron – Ephron’s humorous essays touch on various aspects of aging and the indignities that come with it​ (Prime Mag).

“The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias” by Gayatri Devi – Devi provides a hopeful perspective on managing and understanding dementia, aimed at both patients and caregivers​ (ChangingAging)​.

Here are some science-based books on aging written by women:

“Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well” by Gabrielle Lyon – This book focuses on the importance of skeletal muscle for healthy aging, blending scientific research with practical advice​ (Prime Mag)​.

“The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias” by Gayatri Devi – Devi provides a hopeful perspective on managing dementia, based on the latest scientific research and her clinical experience​ (Prime Mag)​.

These books offer a mix of scientific insights and practical strategies to help readers navigate the aging process with a focus on health and longevity.

Here is a summary of unique books on aging written by women

  1. “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” by Ashton Applewhite
  2. “The Art of Growing Old: Aging with Grace” by Marie de Hennezel
  3. “Women Aging Gracefully: Profiles of 12 Women Over 100” by Carol Ann Hamilton
  4. “The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time” by Cameron Diaz
  5. “70Candles! Women Thriving in Their 8th Decade” by Jane Giddan and Ellen Cole
  6. “French Women Don’t Get Facelifts: The Secret of Aging with Style and Attitude” by Mireille Guiliano
  7. “Growing Old: Notes on Aging with Something Like Grace” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
  8. “I Feel Bad About My Neck” by Nora Ephron
  9. “The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully” by Joan Chittister
  10. “Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age” by Mary Pipher
  11. “Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis” by Ada Calhoun
  12. “Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality, and Well-Being” by Dr. Christiane Northrup
  13. “Flash Count Diary: Menopause and the Vindication of Natural Life” by Darcey Steinke
  14. “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life” by Louise Aronson
  15. “The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias” by Gayatri Devi
  16. “Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well” by Gabrielle Lyon

My all time favorite female writer on the social aspects of aging and longevity Betty Friedan: 

  1. “The Fountain of Age” by Betty Friedan – Friedan explores the myths and realities of aging, challenging negative stereotypes and advocating for a more positive perspective on growing older.

My objective for posting this is to show just a small sampling of the multitude of books on aging and longevity written by women. There is room for many voices…

The Science of Aging

 “We don’t believe that ill health should be an inevitable part of growing old. By understanding what happens to our immune system as we age, we want to break that link between ageing and illness. You could say we want to ensure people enjoy a long, healthy life and a short death.”

~ Professor Janet Lord 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  1. See The Journal of Women and Aging

Here are some leading female researchers in the field of aging:

  1. Cynthia Kenyon – A pioneer in the genetics of aging, known for her work with C. elegans.
  2. Judith Campisi – Renowned for her research on cellular senescence and its implications for aging and cancer.
  3. Linda Partridge – Focuses on the biology of aging, using model organisms to study lifespan and healthspan.
  4. Anne Brunet – Studies the molecular mechanisms of aging, particularly neural stem cells and metabolism.
  5. Janet Lord – An expert in immunology and aging, researching how the immune system changes with age.

There are so many women researchers in the trenches who don’t get the social media attention and are making a difference in all people’s lives. Dr Truesdale is a great example:

Good food, time to exercise, and access to reasonable health care…are in short supply in many parts of the U.S.,” says sociologist Beth C. Truesdale, PhD, a research fellow studying inequities in aging and work at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.

See: Women In Longevity Making Longevity Accessible To All

The Longevity Science Foundation / Dr Evelyne Yehudit Bischof

And my favorite longevity and brain researcher of all time Dr. Marian Diamond (she started in the 1960’s)

(The list of women writing and researching aging and longevity is vast and growing)

error: Content is protected !!