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Embracing Aging in Later Life: A Review of

Healthy Aging in Action

By Phyllis Broughton

The author reviews a book that focuses on the issues and challenges of the later stages of life,
defining healthy aging in terms of ongoing learning and intellectual development as well as
positive engagement in productive work and meaningful relationships. Broughton recommends
the book as an uplifting consideration of the benefits and importance of being a lifelong learner.

Kottler, J. A. (2023). Healthy Aging in Action: Roles,
Functions, and the Wisdom of Elders. Cognella. 202
pages. ISBN 978-1793578730

ging brings with it a wealth of experiences, wisdom,
Aand a unique perspective on life. It provides an
opportunity to reflect on one’s journey and to review
moments that have made one what he or she is today.
Finding a sense of purpose in later life greatly enhances
one’s overall well-being and satisfaction. It is a time to
engage in volunteer work, mentor others, get involved
in nonprofit organizations, or even start new ventures.
As I turned 70 years old, I found myself searching
for a book that could shed light on the changes occurring
in my body and personality as I entered the older stages
of life. During a previous conversation with my primary
care physician, I expressed my lifelong experience of
seeking self-help or informational resources for each
new life stage I experienced. Although numerous
publications are available to guide individuals during
infancy through puberty, I discovered a scarcity of
Healthy Aging in Action by Jeffrey A. Kottler literature addressing what lies ahead for those entering
old age and considering how to navigate this stage.
Some of the literature I read was depressing, with emphasis on sickness, death,
and grieving. Even though these are important and unavoidable parts of aging, I was
looking for a book on positive approaches to aging with insights and strategies to
lead a healthy and fulfilling life as I get older.
I have encountered older individuals who remark that “getting old is not for the
weak.” It takes individuals with knowledge, stamina, and experience to embrace and
adapt to these changes, pushing forward with resilience. Old age is an area of the
unknown for many.
In my quest to delve deeper into the realm of aging, I came across a remarkable
book entitled Healthy Aging in Action: Roles, Function, and the Wisdom of Elders by
Jeffrey A. Kottler. The author has a PhD in psychology and has written in the fields
of counseling, psychology, advocacy, and education. Dr. Kottler’s writing flows
well, and his examples and illustrations are ones that the reader can associate with
his or her personal life. I especially found this book interesting because the author
includes the ways in which grandparenting promotes health and lifelong learning. He

50 The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators