Retirement communities are the perfect place to live if you want to take it easy, which is why many people over 55 choose this option. However, that doesn’t mean they have nothing to do! Retirement communities have a lot of activities for their residents. We’ve put together a list of the best books to read as you age in Carver Park, SC senior living communities. Here are some of our favorites:
“Nevertheless” by Alec Baldwin
This book is a memoir that covers his childhood, family, career, and politics. In the book, he talks about growing up in New York with his father, an NBC executive. He also talks about being in school at Harvard University with President Obama and shares how he got into acting on Broadway and became well-known for playing Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock.
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates is a writer and journalist praised for his ability to connect with readers. The author of “Between the World and Me,” which was awarded the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2015, Coates describes the impact of racism on his own life growing up in Baltimore. He also shares how he experiences it when traveling outside his hometown.
The book is written as a letter from Coates’ father to his son, who worries about what will happen when he leaves home as a child and returns as an adult. It’s an emotional read that may bring tears to your eyes but will leave you feeling inspired by its message.
“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown
If you are a history buff or love a good story, “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown is a great pick for your reading list. This book tells the story of Joe Rantz and his crewmates, who won gold in the 1936 Olympics. It’s an underdog tale with all the elements of grit and perseverance we’ve come to expect from sports films—but it also comes with a bonus: historical context!
If there were ever any doubts about how important physical activity can be for older adults, this book should put them to rest. It shows how our bodies age differently than younger bodies (and why). Still, it also shows that our minds don’t necessarily have to follow suit—and that with some determination and support from others, anyone can achieve success no matter how old they are or what challenges they face along their way.
“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
This book is about a curmudgeon. He is a man who is not good with people but very good with his tools and his cats. And neighbors.
It’s also about friendship (surprise!). You see, Ove has been on his own for years after the death of his wife, and he’s just trying to get by in life. He doesn’t like change or anything new—he wants things to stay the same as they were when she was alive.
“H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald
This book is about a woman who trains a hawk to deal with the grief of losing her father. It’s also about nature, family, and relationships. And it’s partly set in Scotland, which makes it extra special.
“Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari with Eric Klinenberg
It may not be your typical retirement reading, but Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance is both a funny and insightful look at our changing landscape of romance. Ansari teams up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to examine the modern dating scene. The book explores everything from texting to online dating and seeks to explain how we got here. If you’re looking for a lighter take on aging in retirement communities that doesn’t involve someone growing old gracefully or learning new hobbies (or vice versa), this is an excellent choice.
