Building your holiday reading gift list

Growing up, my mother instilled in her children [early] the importance of books, reading and continual learning.

I recall many weekends that Miss Nellie carted me and my siblings along with her to the library. She would check out stacks of books (and read them all) and us kids usually returned home with a cache of reading material as well.

That early childhood experience set the pace for a lifelong love of books. Reading could take you anywhere. You could learn anything. Even now, in our fast paced and sometimes hectic world, I make an effort to find time to read.

For all of you now in the role of caregiver, it can be difficult to find a few extra minutes to pick up a book, let alone having enough brain cells left to even consider reading!

That’s one of the reasons I want all of us to take part in the KIRC Book Club. This format isn’t necessarily about reading a book, then gathering to discuss. No - it is so anyone who has read a book which proved helpful, can share with others the title and why it is worth our time and effort.

As we head into the 2021 holiday season, one book you should consider adding to your gift 'wish-list drives right to the point of aging and eldercare with the title:

The author, Joy Loverde is an experienced consultant specializing in the eldercare field. She has been sounding the alarm for years about ‘getting ready’ for aging!

I had the opportunity to interview Loverde in 2020, talking about senior care and the impacts of Covid. So yes, there is a connection - but no, I am not sharing her book for that reason.

I recommend this title because the book offers practical and valuable information in areas many of us might not consider. Loverde keeps it REAL and manages to plant enough “what if” seeds about life as we age, that it might motivate you to take action.

What I like best about this book is how easy it is to read and understand. Loverde gives us an easy-to-follow road map of steps we can take now and issues we should begin thinking about for later.

Some of the issues touched on are not tangible items but rather, emotional and personal insights about ‘who we are’ as individuals. You might start asking questions about yourself that give you useful answers to plan for a better future.

For instance, she talks about looking at our circle of friends and relationships through the lens of understanding, 'you’ll need help as you age.'

She urges us to ask:

So, consider this book a holiday gift to yourself! The information can help you chart out your own future and if you are a caregiver, it offers guidance for items you should be thinking about in caring for your elder.

Until next time ~