Fifty to Forever by Hugh Downs

An encouraging source book for aging parents and their families explores eldercare options, including day care and home care, challenges the misconception of age and helplessness, and provides ways to anticipate future needs.

Booklist, “Downs’ brief essays, almost sound bites, hit upon many of the most significant issues of aging, from caring for elderly parents to planning for nursing-home care. He is very positive and thorough about evaluating the latter situations. The author’s expertise comes, of course, from his own experience, as well as his years on the public television show Over Easy and currently on 20/20. Especially interesting are the personal insights into Downs’ own childhood, family life, and multiple careers, all drawn upon to demonstrate the importance of keeping busy and in touch with family roots. Appended are addresses for health and governmental agencies as well as safety, nutrition, and fitness advice.” Denise Perry Donavin