Many societal biases about age limits in work and experiences increasingly marginalize older adults. Books that inspire positive living and personal development offer readers over 50 a fresh, more positive perspective on this issue.

A Matter of Death and Life (2021)

Cover of "A Matter of Death and Life". Photo: Tre Publishing House

This memoir by Irvin D. Yalom and Marilyn Yalom recounts their journey facing terminal illness and death. In 2019, Marilyn was diagnosed with multiple myeloma with a poor prognosis. Despite the slim hope, she accepted treatment to prolong her life with her husband. She then conceived the idea of co-writing a memoir with alternating perspectives, narrating their journey facing death.

The book takes readers through the couple's emotional rollercoaster upon receiving the grim news: from fear, pain, and denial to reluctant acceptance, despair, and finally, moving forward. They had to find solutions for the problems of old age, and the book raises many questions: How to live with disability? Should one enter a nursing home? What about medical visits and the right to die? How do the elderly live alone? Do children prolong their parents' lives out of love and responsibility, or fear of social stigma? The book conveys the message that birth, aging, sickness, and death are inevitable. According to the authors, the saddest thing is not parting, but living an incomplete life.

"A Matter of Death and Life" has been translated into more than 10 languages worldwide and has received positive reviews from critics. Lori Gottlieb, author of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone", commented, "This book will stay with me for years to come. What lingers is not just a story of inconsolable loss, but a heartbreaking, beautiful, and unforgettable story of enduring love,".

Irvin D. Yalom, born in 1931 in the USA, is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Stanford University and one of the world's leading psychiatrists. In his 90s, he continues to live and write in Northern California. His published works in Vietnam include "The Meaning of Life: From Psychotherapy Stories" and "Creatures of a Day".

Marilyn Yalom, born in 1932 and passed away in 2019, was a writer and pioneering feminist historian who had a profound impact on the 20th-century feminist movement in the USA. She was a senior scholar at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University and a professor of French. Marilyn Yalom is the author of "A History of the Wife" and "A History of the Breast".

The Well Lived Life (2023)

Cover of "The Well Lived Life", 368 pages, translated by Phuong Phuong, published by Tre Publishing House. Photo: Tre Publishing House

First published in 2023, "The Well Lived Life" was released to Vietnamese readers this year. The book compiles health lessons from Dr. Gladys McGarey. She presents healing principles based on the connection between the physical and the spiritual, arguing that healing lies not in medicine, surgery, or famous doctors, but within each person's soul. Individuals must acknowledge and unravel their inner blockages to allow energy to flow freely within their bodies, thereby promoting healing and fundamental change.

According to Dr. McGarey, the six keys to self-understanding are: Awareness of your unique, sacred mission at birth and your reason for existing in the universe; All life requires movement; Love is the most potent medicine; Do not fear solitude; All experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, are teachers offering valuable lessons; Live fully with passionate energy.

Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Harvard University, commented, "Dr. McGarey delves into simple truths that easily touch the reader's heart. She lives in the real world, where body, mind, and spirit are inseparable, and her century of wisdom is imbued with science, medicine, and soul,".

Dr. Gladys McGarey, born in 1920 and passed away in 2024, is recognized as the mother of holistic medicine. She was a founding member of the American Holistic Medical Association, with over 70 years of experience in family medicine practice, and one of the first Western doctors to regularly use acupuncture in the USA.

Live Life in Crescendo (2023)

Cover of "Live Life in Crescendo". Photo: Tre Publishing House

"Live Life in Crescendo" is the final book by Stephen R. Covey, co-written with his daughter and published 10 years after his passing. The book introduces the Crescendo philosophy. According to the authors, this philosophy and principle of action offer readers a different perspective on life: age does not prevent people from learning, looking towards the future, and helping others. With the motto "the most important work is always ahead," this way of life fosters optimistic thinking and a focus on the future.

Stephen R. Covey was a leadership consultant and trainer, once named one of the 25 most influential Americans by TIME magazine. His book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is considered the most influential management book of the 20th century.

How Not to Age (2023)

Cover of "How Not to Age", released to Vietnamese readers this year. Photo: Tre Publishing House

The book provides a scientific analysis of aging and chronic diseases, explaining how to avoid common ailments. According to the author, diet is the most effective way to combat aging. The book points out that growing older doesn't necessarily mean becoming sicker. "How Not to Age" helps readers make choices about their diet and lifestyle to preserve their brain, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. The book's engaging narrative style makes seemingly dry health topics interesting.

Michael Herschel Greger (53), is an American physician and public health speaker. He is known for advocating a whole-food, plant-based diet and opposing animal products.

Chau Anh