In this enchanting and lyrical memoir, Frances Mayes details her experiences restoring an abandoned villa named Bramasole in rural Tuscany. The book captures the essence of Italian life, from the discovery of hidden treasures like faded frescos and overgrown vineyards, to the vibrant markets and delightful people of the nearby hill towns. Mayes brings her poetic voice, the eye of a seasoned traveler, and the palate of a cook and food writer to invite readers to explore the pleasures of Italian life and culture.
Barbara Waxman's "The Middlescence Manifesto" explores the significant shift in human lifespan and the emergence of a 'second adolescence' in midlife. The book challenges the traditional view of aging as decline, emphasizing the potential for flourishing and well-being during this extended period. Waxman provides practical strategies and insights to navigate the physical, emotional, and relational changes of midlife, empowering readers to embrace this transformative phase. It encourages a proactive approach to health and well-being, focusing on lifestyle choices and mindset shifts to enhance quality of life. The book ultimately aims to redefine midlife as a time of opportunity and growth, rather than crisis.
Every day, 10,000 people in the United States turn 65—a statistic that underscores one of the most significant demographic shifts in history. But the story of longevity is not just about aging, it's about learning new ways of living, working, and thriving across all life stages. From doctor's offices to government policies to popular culture, far too many of us erroneously associate aging with decline.
How can we redefine aging to prioritize quality of life? Research shows that individuals have far more control over how they age than anyone imagined. We are shifting from a paradigm of decline to one that more accurately embraces the full spectrum of human flourishing while acknowledging biological realities.
In this timely discussion, Barbara Waxman, renowned gerontologist and creator of The Longevity Roadmap, joins award-winning broadcaster Michael Krasny to explore the fascinating journey that brought us to this critical juncture in human history. They'll examine our current challenges, unveil cutting-edge insights about longevity, and share practical strategies for building a more resilient, fulfilling life at any age.
Join us to discover actionable tools to take control of your aging journey and thrive in an era of unprecedented possibilities as we unpack the history, challenges, and opportunities of this remarkable demographic gift unfolding before us.
About the Speakers
Barbara Waxman is a gerontologist, coach, and longevity advocate who has spent four decades transforming people's understanding of aging. As creator of The Longevity Roadmap, she translates cutting-edge research into practical frameworks. A graduate of Colgate University with Master's degrees in gerontology and public administration from USC, Waxman is an advisor to the Stanford Center on Longevity and Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. Her insights have been featured on "CBS This Morning," in The Wall Street Journal, and across national media. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of The Middlescence Manifesto.
Michael Krasny is a literary critic, scholar, and broadcast journalist. He is the author of many books, including Off Mike, Spiritual Envy, and Let There Be Laughter; the co-author of Sound Ideas; and the creator and presenter of the audio lecture series Masterpieces of Short Fiction. He is the host of "The Podcast Conversations With Krasny" and former host of "Forum" on KQED Radio.
Organizer: Denise Michaud
A Grownups Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums.
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Commonwealth Club of California Podcast 
