After almost 40 years of working with men, I’m still trying to figure us out. I started back in the 80s when I was in my 40s. I wrote about men like myself who were trying to balance work and family. Way too often, work won. Back in those days, we were trying to figure out what healthy masculinity looked like. As I wrote in one of my books, often we felt like we were trying to “Awaken from a Deep Sleep.” We were cut off from our feelings and struggled to establish healthy relationships. Many of us felt isolated and alone.
In those days, I worked almost exclusively with men. I started a new form of therapy, men’s groups. At one point, I had four groups of men of all ages who were trying to find their way in a complex world of changing gender roles. I wrote books about men and had guest appearances on the Today Show and Oprah. Ironically, as I began to taste success, I became overly focused on my work and often neglected my family. It was easy to fall into the same trap as the men I was working with.
Work was alluring and satisfying, and we got paid as well. We knew how to work, just like we knew how to go to war when we were called to do that. Yet, to be a man fully engaged in home life, including raising children, keeping the house neat, cooking, remembering to schedule dentist appointments, and 1000 other things, unlike most women, we men were not prepared for any of that. When we were growing up, it was considered women’s work and not suitable for men. Even those of us who tried to be more engaged as fathers learned that we did not have the skills and language necessary to succeed. Sure, we could play and teach our kids sports, but when dealing with the emotional problems of children growing up, we were ill-prepared. We were deficient in the language of love. Even our fathers often didn’t support us. I remember my dad saying, “Rob, why are you home on Fridays? You could be out earning money.”
Now, I have learned the hard way that men face unique challenges as we age. Physical changes, new realities, decisions about retirement, and evolving priorities can leave us feeling adrift. However, no matter what our situation, we can learn to live healthier lives, to give to others, to appreciate what we have, and to continue to develop our minds and bodies.
To try to help, I’ve written a new book in which I speak directly to aging men. I’m not necessarily talking about men my age; I’m trying to talk to the younger men in their 50s and 60s who are still able to develop healthy habits. As I say in the book, we can learn to be strong in mind, body, and spirit. We certainly cannot fully win the battle against aging, but we can stay healthy and strong for as long as we can. Living in a world full of challenges, we can learn to contribute to solutions. We can be good partners and great fathers. Day by day, we can make ourselves and the world we live in better. We may go slower, we may not think as quickly, and we may have more pain and disability, but we can keep going with resilience and the right attitude. Spiritually, we can continue to search for meaning in life.
That’s the promise of my new book, “Men: A Guide to Healthy Aging: 365 for Staying Strong in Mind, Body, and Spirit.” It’s designed to be It’s your daily companion as you age. I have packed it with 365 actionable strategies for taking control of your well-being and taking advantage of the opportunities ahead.
This advice is based on my 40 years of working clinically with men’s groups and as a Harvard-trained psychologist and executive coach. This guide is your personalized roadmap to thriving later in life. Hopefully, you will discover:
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Practical tips for maintaining physical health: Exercise routines, effective nutrition, and proactive care—all tailored for active seniors.
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Expert guidance on managing stress and anxiety: Learn to navigate emotional shifts and build resilience, leaving worries behind.
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Insights for strengthening relationships and building a fulfilling social life: Reconnect with loved ones, forge new friendships, and create a support network that fuels your happiness.
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Actionable steps and resources to implement positive changes: Turn knowledge into action with clear, practical tools that make your journey effortless.
Let’s embrace aging not as a challenge but as an exciting adventure. Get your copy today and unlock the keys to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling later life.
I’m also asking a favor. At 77, I am still striving for success in my literary pursuits. Amazon has a system where books with numerous reviews receive more promotion. So a big favor: If you read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. It doesn’t have to be positive; it just has to be entered on my page.
Review the book using this link.
Here are some of the reviews that have already been posted: |
Here are some of the sample entries:
More and more throughout our lives, we experience a very hectic pace of life. Learn to slow down. Find a sacred place or serene spot where you can retreat, reflect, and rejuvenate.
It’s useful to plan for your housing situation: to stay put, to downsize, to reconstruct, to move, or to secure senior housing ahead of time.
A man living without friendships is a man living in a very dangerous place.
Contact me directly to purchase an autographed copy. |