From the Book - Large Print - Large print edition.
Have a gin and tonic with a friend
The world is always ending
Volunteer as much as you can
Treat little children, big children (and grandchildren) as you want to be treated
Don't fall over and other practical tips for graceful aging
Take care of something every day
The habit of kärt besvär
Surround yourself with the young(er) or busvissla to your younger self
Appendix: Bonus thoughts and tips on death cleaning.
From the Book - Regular Print - First Scribner hardcover edition.
Have a Gin and Tonic with a Friend 7 --
I've known my best friend since we were eight years old. I live in Stockholm and Lola lives in Nice, but we have lovely drinks together, even during the pandemic. --
World Is Always Ending 15 --
I have lived through World War II, the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis. Chernobyl-and now climate change. Here's how to cope with eighty years of constant doom and hold on to your sense of humor. --
Don't Leave Empty-Handed 33 --
While of course none of us can "take it with us" after we are gone, while we are here there are so many ways to improve the world every day. I heard a little piece of advice decades ago that ended up being invaluable. --
I Died Seven Years Ago-But Lived 39 --
My near-death experience changed the way I look at life. --
Volunteer as Much as You Can 47 --
As you age you may have more free time than you expected. While the world may not be ending, it can always use a little extra boost. Get involved-it will help you and it will help the world. --
Take Care of Your Hair-If You Have Any 63 --
When you are eighty you will have wrinkles, you will walk slower, you are not twenty anymore. But having nice hair is a sign that you are still in the game. --
Treat Little Children, Big Children (And Grandchildren) as You Want to be Treated 71 --
Little children really do often soy the funniest things, and if you listen carefully you'll realize sometimes they are quite wise about life. Big children-ok, adults-like to be listened to too, and if you listen to them, you'll never have to worry that the young won't make time for you. --
Don't Fall Over and Other Practical Tips for Graceful Aging 77 --
I fell over and it wasn't fun. Here's how to cope if you fall. And what to do so as not to. --
Take Care of Something Every Day 85 --
On having pets and keeping plants. --
I've found that having a closed mind to new things ages me and my friends more quickly than anything else. I've also realized later in life that I now only regret the things I said no to. Make sure to always say yes, so tu ne regrettes rien. --
No explanation needed. --
Habit of Kärt Besvár 113 --
A Swedish approach-well, actually, just my approach-for aging happily. --
Stripes look good on men, women, children, and me. Stripes never go out of style-so they are cheap in the long run. Stripes may not make you look younger. But you do not look older. --
Surround Yourself with the Young(er) or Busvissla to Your Younger Self 123 --
A lot of people past eighty complain about "today's youth." I don't. I like to have them around. They have new thoughts: they keep my brain fresh. They are a constant reminder that it is never too late to do anything, unless it really is too late (and you are dead). Until then, I still hope to tap-dance..
