WHY EMBRACE AN ATTITUDE OF INCLINE?For the first time in history we are not only living longer, everyone has an important choice to make: commit to a meaningful, purposeful life of “Incline” as we get older or believe that a new stage – one of steady “decline” – is inevitable. What is not helping is that in the media and society in general there continues the somewhat negative connotation … surrounding the concept of aging. And while, at least not now, we cannot do anything about the chronological process of becoming 60, 70, 80 years and beyond, we can change the mindset for it. Embracing change and looking at life with a keener sense of curiosity will lead to living with increased courage to live life to its fullest.INCLINED ELDERS is a call to action for you to opt for Incline. Not only for your personal fulfillment, but also to help fuel a social “legacy” that increases the number of positive older role models in everyday life. I have written this book to inspire, inform, and challenge you. By the time you reach the last page, I hope you will have made a new choice: to become an inspiring example of a life of Incline so our society relinquishes – once and for all – the notion that aging is synonymous with “decline,” “decrepit,” “senile,” and “over-the-hill.”In this book over 50 men and women ranging in age from 40 to 100 share their tips and techniques on how to live a life of Incline. Their strategies are supported by scientific evidence from the fields of Positive Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology.WHO ARE INCLINED ELDERS?We are the women and men who have made a conscious choice to ignore society’s negative mindset of “decline” and “over-the-hill” as we age. Instead we embrace a positive mindset of continuing to Incline and climb ever upwards.While birthdays may be the accelerator for aging, don’t let them become the brakes that stop you from continuing to live a full and happy life.Why have I and the Inclined Elders in this book chosen an attitude of Incline? Because we intend to live a life of achievement, meaning, and purpose and not allow mere birthdays to get in the way. And an attitude of Incline will permit us – and you – to do this.The metaphor of a hill is an apt one to consider as you grapple with the concept of Inclining because hills are surely easier and more enjoyable to climb than steep, lofty mountains. And they still allow for inspiring discoveries and adventures. Some of their pathways may have twists and turns, and there may be the odd bump in the road, but it is important to continue the ascent. Why? Because the vistas on the trek upward are increasingly breathtaking and exhilarating.Inclined Elders know that there is no need to rush; it’s not a race. We take one step at a time so we can pause to smile at the waving wildflowers along the road.Your attitude determines the potential for your altitude, so a shift in mindset is required, regardless of your age right now. As you awaken to each new day as an Inclined Elder, the sunrise will greet you with a symphony of color applauding your choice to Incline and climb the hill. You will continue to broaden your experience and deepen your joy of life. This is what has happened for me and the people who shared their stories.Serving as vibrant role models, the Inclined Elders I spoke to for this book are leaving their own unique legacies of wisdom and inspiration for future generations. There needs to be more of us like them to effect real social change. So why not Incline too? There’s an amazing view from up here. Come with us and see for yourself.THIS BOOK WILL BE INVALUABLE IF YOU:Have a desire to continue living a purposeful life, no matter what your age.Are interested in learning how to maintain a positive attitude from adulthood to elderhood.Want to learn how to create a living legacy and serve as a role model for future generations.
more
As someone that is *cough* over 50 *cough* this book really appealed to me and the mindset we should ALL have no matter our age. I will admit that I do not feel my age, I honestly think I am 10-15 years younger. Is it denial or is it just an age I would prefer to be? No matter, the answer, this book guides us to rethink how we view and feel about aging. There is nothing that says as someone ages that they have to wait for death once they hit a certain age. There is so much more to life and there is so much wisdom from those that have experienced life and are willing to share it with everyone they meet.
There are different chapters that focus on different aspects we should consider in our life such as Choices, Courage, Curiosity, and Change. I enjoyed the stories told by various people and felt motivated and encouraged knowing that if they can take a step in their life to keep living on an incline versus a decline, then so can I. After all, aging is a mindset and a positive attitude will only assist anyone wishing to live their best life.
I’m sure we all know someone that has a negative outlook and doesn’t do anything to make their life better. I know several people in my family like this and there is nothing any one person can say or do to change their minds. It has to come from within. If you know someone like this and they are open to reading this book, it might change their life.
The personal reflections, stories of gratitude, perseverance, and those that make every day count is what will resonate with many readers. It reminds us to also reach out to those that need assistance and encourage them to continue down their path to a better life.
There is one story that I could relate to – Nancy who was diagnosed with cancer and she decided to just approach it head on as she did with everything else in her life. This sums up my experience with cancer in my 30’s. While I wasn’t happy with what was going on (who would be?!), I chose to do what needed to be done and when others might have spiraled out of control, I kept moving and working because the cancer was not going to beat me.
I also appreciated an anecdote from BJ and a comment her mother made as she lay dying in her bed. She told BJ to “not wait until the last twenty minutes of your life to realize what life is about and what your purpose is.” I think many of us don’t have a plan for our life. That is ok, but we also should not sit around waiting for it to come to us and we should seek out what we want from life and how we can contribute to make the world a better place, even in a small way.
I believe this book should be a must read for people of all ages, especially for those that might be lost in their lives and need a place to start and realize that they can make a difference for themselves and those around them. The resources at the end of the book will give you many places to start if you don’t know where to start your journey.
We give this book 5 paws up!