Retirement has changed many things in my life, including what I read. These days, I’m more interested in books that feature older protagonists or explore topics such as health, aging, money, purpose, and mortality. I look for books that not only entertain but also help me better understand this stage of life.
The 16 books that follow are titles I’ve read and would gladly recommend to fellow retirees. Most book lists seem aimed at younger readers, so I wanted to share a few works that resonate with those of us navigating the Medicare and Social Security years. Although these books have something to offer readers of any age, each provided insights, perspective, or enjoyment that felt particularly relevant to retirement.
Titles displayed in bold type are especially recommended…
Fiction:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Winter Journal by Paul Auster
The Old Man by Thomas Perry
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
The English Major by Jim Harrison
Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells by Pico Iyer
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Financial
Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins
Health:
Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don’t Have To by David A. Sinclair
Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta
Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer by Barbara Ehrenreich
Inspiring:
Late to the Ball: A Journey into Tennis and Aging by Gerald Marzorati
Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy by Thomas Moore
Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
Esot-eric 