Stupid things I won't do when I get old A highly judgmental, unapologetically honest accounting of all the things our elders are doing wrong

When he turned 50, award-winning journalist, columnist, and Ted Talk-favorite Petrow began to keep a list of "the stupid things I won't do when I get old," a litany of all the annoying things his parents and other old people around him were doing. Included are such offenses as being afraid to fall, lying to their doctors, and refusing to change their ways. As he grew older, Petrow began to ruminate on things like continuing to drive when one has become a threat to others, waiting to be deaf before getting a hearing aid, and turning his home into a "sweat lodge." Finally, looking at life's end, Petrow vows to refuse to die without planning his own funeral or writing letters to loved ones. With coauthor Henry, Petrow supports his plans with quotes from favorite authors and facts from various studies, ultimately presenting a solid case for paying attention as you age. Along the way, he begins to understand his parents actions. Readers dealing with aging parents or beginning to feel twinges of age's tolls themselves will be especially interested. Petrow can't prevent you from becoming your parents, but he can remind you how a positive attitude, gratitude, patience, and compassion can make a big difference.