The happiness of later years: Why every moment counts and what the young can learn from the old

One of the most difficult tasks for older people is to make others understand that they do not want to be "taken care of" and that they are not in a difficult situation. Rather, it is about "participation" in life and the desire to grow old with dignity. Bernard S. Otis has written a very personal book about what this means in practice: " Growing Older Is Not for Beginners " .

Humorous tour through life

Bernard S. Otis (1931 - 2018) was already 85 years old when he began working on the book, which is now being published in German under the title "Growing older is not for beginners". A few years earlier, he had lost his beloved wife Anna, with whom he had been happily married for over 30 years. The manager and consultant, who was also a successful author, realized that the time he had left was precious: "If young people and middle-aged readers do not pick up this book, then I may have wasted my time [...]." And so he invites his readers to join him on a tour through life.

In humorous anecdotes and memories, they accompany him to the many companies he has worked for, the meetings he has attended and the trade fairs he has participated in during his 65-year career. But above all, he appeals to younger people to go to hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private homes to visit the elderly. Because only then will they have a chance to understand what the needs of older people really are and how important it is to prepare early enough for the final stages of life's journey.

Guide to growing older

All adults should make a health plan as early as possible, clearly defining their wishes should they become seriously ill or a tragic event occur that affects their life expectancy. It is never too early to ensure that one can live comfortably and safely in old age. It is also important to talk to one's children from a young age about death and the meaning it has in our lives.

Although most people think that only seniors in their late 60s or older need to worry about aging and death, the fact is that we hear every day about illnesses, accidents and other situations that kill young people. And the great misconception about death is that death does not only come to those who stop breathing - but to those who stop living. Who stop being happy. That is why Bernie Otis encourages us to live a rich and fulfilling life and to spend the years we have been given as happily and healthily as possible: "When we stop using our minds and limit our physical and social activities, we have stopped living."

Contribution to happiness

There may not be scientific evidence that keeping your mind active and interested will help you live longer, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to confirm that if we stay engaged in life, use our knowledge and talents, and try new things, we will definitely spend our final years happier.

While volunteering at nursing homes, Otis found that those who saw life as a challenge and looked forward to each day were the happiest and lived the longest. His personal lesson was that regardless of financial status, education level, race or religious beliefs, it is crucial for people to find a way to help others. Whether it is through practical work and assistance, financial support, food, encouragement, a job or a fulfilling task. Help and support should be given with joy: "The only retribution you should hope for is love and the success that comes from it."

Anyone who follows his recommendations and makes the contribution they are willing to make as an individual, Otis promises with a wink, will save themselves a lot of stress later on: "And less stress will help you age with dignity."

Book tip:
Bernard S. Otis: Getting older is not for beginners. Why every moment counts and what I wish I had known earlier. Mankau Verlag, 1st edition 2020, paperback, 13.5 x 21.5 cm, 270 pp., €16.90 (D) / €17.40 (A), ISBN-978-3-86374-555-4

Link recommendations:
More about the book “Growing older is not for beginners”
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author Bernie S. Otis
To the Internet forum with our authors and readers