12/20/24: Midwest Book Review
. . . . offers an extraordinary and inherently fascinating approach to creating (and appreciating) the latter years of life, the issues of self-esteem while aging and the joy life has to offer as we grow older in years and younger in spirit. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library and senior center collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists . . .
11/15/24: Huffington Post (online) (1.4 million), “Seven Habits That Will Make You a More Interesting Person,” book mention
Listen. Interact. Ask questions. Learn. Studies confirm that social engagement is as important to well-being as diet or days at the gym,” Blau added. “Others are drawn to you, sensing your openness and curiosity. You’ll also feel better about yourself, and your relationships will flourish.
11/07/24: Susan Newman, PhD, newsletter (online) (3K), book review
The Wisdom Whisperers is for grownups, and it could be the impetus to tweak your view and approach to getting older in positive and surprising ways.
10/14/24: Jewish Book Council (online), book review
Blau’s subtextual message in The Wisdom Whisperers is essentially that women of this caliber are in our midst, and we would do well to try to get to know them rather than avoid them because of their advanced years.
09/03/24: Fire Island News (online), book review
Though the through line of the book is “forging relationships with elders,“ there’s a core message about living. Living with meaning and hope. Whether it’s about the opportunities that present themselves throughout our lives… or out of the blue, deciding to write a memoir at 80, let’s give it our all there’s more in us than we thought. Sounds like a peptalk? In part it is, but Blau gives it earnestly with years of research and experience behind her. She’s known some of her old ladies for decades.
09/26/24: Women’s World (print and online, 1.6 million readers), author interview, “How to Age With Grace: Mental Health Pros Share the Keys to a Full, Flourishing Life,” by Kristina Mastrocola
08/25/24: Dr. Dale Akins, eNewsletter
Melinda Blau, author of 15 books, has written this poignant, hilarious, and deeply insightful exploration of how to make the most of life’s possibilities—at any age.” It is a must read about aging well. One of the featured women in her book is my beloved mother, Sylvia. This is a book overflowing with wisdom, warmth, and wonder.
8/16/24: Stand Up with Pete Dominick ((stay tuned for a link to my interview!)
08/14/24: Crows Feet podcast, author interview and reading from the book.
08/08/24: The Joan Hamburg Show, WABC Radio, author interview
08/05/24: agebuzz.com, author feature
Friends and colleagues pushed back when I used the phrase: “You can’t call them old ladies – that’s insulting.” Such reactions only made me dig in my heels. We need to give a more positive meaning to the adjective old, which describes years in existence, nothing else. My old ladies are engaged and energetic. They wake up each morning with a sense of gratitude and purpose. They are determined to be independent and, at the same time, know the importance of asking for and accepting help. They have had misfortunes and sorrow but also the confidence to take stock, adapt, and move on.
08/07/24: The Oldster Magazine, author feature
Do you feel old for your age? Young for your age? Just right? Are you in step with your peers?
This feels like a trick question. Age is years lived. What 20 or 40 or 80 feels like depends on who’s feeling it. I don’t feel old, I don’t feel young, and I don’t compare my age or existence to anyone else. I learned this from Zelda, one of the women I call “my old ladies.” When she turned 100, I asked “How does it feel to be this old?” Her answer was perfect: “Compared to what? I’ve never been a hundred before.”
08/02/24: Mind/Body/Spirit online author talk (stay tuned for a link!)
08/02/24: Adriana Trigiani, book mention
07/24/24: Instagram Live author interview with Barbara Biziou
07/15/24: GBONews, e-news of the Journalists Network on Generations (JNG), book mention
… All good relationships are rewarding, but someone older gives me what no other friend can: a preview of what’s to come. And yes, they whisper to me. Using that metaphor is not branding (well, maybe a little). It’s appropriate.”
My first whisperer book in 2001 taught new parents to “calm, communicate, and connect” with their babies. The “whisperings” of my old ladies calm me, encourage me to tell it like it is, and inspire connection, up and down the age ladder. Their voices are especially helpful when “the committee”—you know, the critical voices of your most unwise self—is in session. My whisperers remind me that I’ve been here and already learned a thing or two about getting through the hard stuff. They bring out my inner old lady, my sage self.
2023: The podcast that introduced the world to “my old ladies”!