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the nation's desk reference to the latest mature market publications Dr. David Demko, Editor ISSN 1088-5889 V17 N03 March 2003 - PAGE 1

01 - Creating a Spiritual Retirement by 63-year-old retired hospital chaplain Molly Srode, helps boomers and seniors understand the opportunities for spiritual growth in retirement. "Deciding to retire means more than leaving a paycheck behind," says Srode, who with her husband also publishes the "Senior Spirituality Newsletter". Readers are invited to explore spirituality in retirement, and offers guidelines for making the last third of life more meaningful. Adults from any walk of life or religious persuasion can easily follow the author's three stages of spirituality in retirement. The first stage, "Taking the First Step" focuses on introspection, personal growth, and transcending toward the spiritual self. Stage two, "The Journey Continues" discusses processes for finding God. Stage three, "Where Do We Go from Here", explains the role of faith in the face of adversity, celebrates the continuing importance of living a life with purpose. Readers will also find one of the most comprehensive listing of spiritual literature in the book's appendices. "Creating a Spiritual Retirement", 171 pages, 2003. Skylight Paths, Woodstock, Vermont. $19.95. In bookstores this March, or order for Skylight Paths: 1-800-962-4544. "Today's self-help literature is replete with all the medical and technological resources for living longer. Thankfully, Srode offers THE resource for living that longer life with meaning, purpose, and dignity." AgeVenture News, Boca Raton, Florida, www.demko.com

02 - Sisters and Brothers All These Years by social work professor Lillian S. Hawthorne, underscores the importance of Aging America's greatest resource, the family. Eighty percent of all eldercare is provided by the family. That makes this resource indispensible. However, Hawthorne reminds her readers that time and distance often erodes family ties, especially those forged between siblings. Armed with strategies for revitalizing sibling relationships, the author keenly employs her clinical social work skills to demonstrate the irreplaceable value to family support. Readers will find compelling personal accounts of siblings who have revitalized their bonds of love and caring. "Sisters and Brothers: all these years", 136 pages, 2003. VanderWyk and Burnham, Acton, MA. $9.95. In bookstores, or call: 1-800-789-7916. Sisters. Brothers. Can't live with'em. Can't live without 'em. Think again. Hawthorne employs her knowledge of sibling relationships and clinical expertise to clearly communicate the strategies necessary for reconnecting with your first companion and confidant, your sister or brother. Hawthorne has laid the groundwork for a whole new specialty in gerontology. Read it, and reap. Dr. David J. Demko, AgeVenture News, Boca Raton, Florida, www.demko.com

03 - Purpose and Power in Retirement by Harold Koenig, M.D, argues that people must create personal goals in order to have a purpose for living. Goals that orchestrate their experience, wisdom, and strengths. Koenig supports his argument with research findings illustrating how the sense of purpose motivates people to keep going in their retirement years. The key factor in maintaining meaning and purpose in retirement is one's spirituality. Readers will discover evidence confirming the relationship between religion and quality of life. As a case in point, people who are involved with religious or spiritual practices experience greater less depression, and lead fuller, happier lives. Koenig encourages his readers to cultivate the trait of generosity. Be generous with your time. Volunteer. Pay attention to the signs of stress. Exercise, eat well, and pay attention to your health. Readers will find ten steps for developing the author's notion of a purpose-filled retirement. "Purpose and Power in Retirement", 204 pages, 2002. Templeton Foundation Press, Philadelphia, PA. $19.95. "Destined to be a classic in gerontological literature, this enlightening resource synthesizes the mounting evidence in support of the philosophical basis for life. Numerous studies now document the extraordinary role of spirituality as a key resource for combating the stressors that diminish one's health and well-being. However, why thumb through the mountain of literature when Koenig summarizes both what the research offers, and more importantly, how to apply that knowledge to your life." Dr. David J. Demko, AgeVenture News, Boca Raton, Florida, www.demko.com