Plan for Aging Well

"Erickson’s first line describes the plain reality, ‘We are doing aging wrong.’ And she explains why in ample, stark examples from her years of social work experience, charting the realities we all face or will face. But her real magic is her kitchen table, practical advice about how to do aging right in a world that doesn’t make it easy. She provides a life-saving map to navigate the disorienting terrain virtually all of us will have to pass through."

“Erickson provides a no nonsense portrayal of the painful and neglected aspects of aging. She shares her first hand experiences in a deeply humanistic manner and challenges our acceptance of ‘the normal.’ She entreats us to respect the rich personal history of each individual and to work collaboratively toward a better plan for aging which incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Full of vignettes that resonate, as well as practical suggestions, Erikson shows us how we each have a role to play in improving the aging experience for ourselves and our loved ones.”

“This book is a helpful manual  for healthcare professionals and families alike. Ms. Erickson provides a beacon of information to guide aging individuals and their families through a process that often has multiple twists and turns. This book opened my eyes as a physician to the challenges and tribulations that are often felt by patients and their caregivers, and has provided me with optimism about how I will approach elder care with my patients.”

“Written from a social worker's perspective, Plan for Aging Well helps professionals, caregivers, family and friends approach supporting an older person from a place of empathy rather than a place of burden. Erickson reminds us of the potentially deeper issues that help explain why so often we as a society come up short in the care for older people when they need it. I was so glad to see the last chapter of Erickson's work where she reminds us of the specific social identities older people have, such as identifying as LGBTQ. For some reason, many care professionals and even family members discount that older people are more than their bodies. I look forward to bringing this text into social work curricula for future students to learn from, but it is truly an accessible resource for all!”

“Stephanie Erickson’s book is a wake-up call for all of us. Planning for aging, including legal planning, is critical. Ms. Erickson reminds us that equally important is talking about your plans, values, beliefs and wishes with those who you designate to make decisions for you in the event that you cannot. I see the value of advance collaboration time and again in my law practice.”