The Granny who Stands on Her Head: Reflections on growing older
“Somewhere in the middle of my seventies, I realised that I liked being old.”
So begins this set of engaging stories and thoughts on growing older by someone with a vast range of life experience to share.
Part memoir and part reflection on the joys and challenges of modern life, this book explores the nature of old age and how it compares to what came before. The author argues that being older does not have to be feared. Even better, it can be fun.
This kaleidoscopic book offers a refreshing – and often funny – look at a wide range of issues, Including the personal awkwardness of a loss of memory, a new take on the nature of ambition, and sex at the age of 90. It challenges head on many of the prevalent myths and taboos surrounding old age.
You may never look at old age in the same way again
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Professional Reviews
“A warm, thoughtful and uplifting meditation on the perks and pitfalls of growing older. Made me want to stand on my head, too!” Carl Honoré, author of Bolder: Making the most of our longer lives
Excerpts from Some Readers’ Reviews
“A refreshing look at what it’s like to be old. Part memoir, and part social commentary, and all enjoyable, this book is a positive ode to getting older. As the author reflects at the beginning of the book, “I like being old, in good health, and extremely lucky,” Yep, I second the motion!
In a positive, earnest and friendly way, the author looks at the various pluses and minuses of old age. Grandchildren and good friends are a pleasure. Not remembering things and stumbling around are not so good. If you are “old” you will smile and shake your head as your read. If you are younger, maybe this book will help you understand the “wrinklies” you know,
Readers will find that this is a very well-written book and is both interesting and heart-warming. Author Richardson looks at many aspects of growing older that I hadn’t considered. This would be a great book for a book club or to give as a gift. Highly recommend.”
“A wise, thought-provoking celebration of old age. The author draws upon a wide range of life experience including: voluntary work in war-torn Africa; working as a researcher in London’s east end; and being involved as a juror in a high profile murder case….I am entering older age myself and I found her unsentimental and funny reflections on the challenges and the joys of being older insightful and very helpful.”
“This is a lovely, lovely book. The author’s reflections on the unanticipated rewards of growing old – even among its challenges and accommodations – are shared with an engaging friendliness. The anecdotes from her own life add substance, colour and a great deal of warmth and gentle humour, and the graceful, unassuming prose is a delight. A wonderfully cheering read!”
“You will want to add your experiences to this delightful series of chatty thoughts on all manner of issues arising from living into an older age….Upbeat, informal, self-examining, and above all written with an insight into behavior many of us are either not gifted with, or do not take time to think about. I highly recommend this for seniors reflecting on their own lives, and the younger generation as a preview of what comes next.”
“I really enjoyed this book; it was well-written and witty, dealing with difficult themes, such as ageing, illness and helped to take out some of the associated apprehension. The themes within my experience were treated with both humour and sensitivity, while providing valuable insights into those elements which I had not experienced. You’ll feel better after reading this book!”