BOOK OF LISTS: OVER-SIXTY: SHADES OF GRAY

A pair of sexagenarians offer humorous advice for fellow retirees over 60.

“Growing older makes you a bit more impatient,” say Paskoff and Pack in the opening to their amusing book that offers 100-plus bulleted lists on exercise, healthy eating, travel, and good books and TV shows for seniors. The prolific, award-winning broadcast journalists from Long Island balance humor and insight, providing multiple laugh-out-loud moments as well as practical information on decaying gracefully. No topic is taboo, including body positivity and sex (one list recommends the best sex toys) and funeral planning (readers are encouraged to leave specific directives down to the clothes they will wear in their caskets). A central theme of the book is living life to its fullest, recommending activities like wine tastings and art classes for “when your back goes out more often than you do.” Other lists discuss fashion “Dos” and “fashion DOO-DOOs,” warning readers to avoid “matchy-matchy (OR ITCHY-ITCHY),” as well as how to identify and respond to ageist comments and behavior. Along with their lists, the authors include uncredited full-color comics as well as inspirational and funny quotes from famous actors and authors. While the book gives readers of all demographics steady laughs and solid advice on the importance of positive attitudes and mental and physical health, its target demographic of those 60-plus will find a sidesplittingly relatable read. The occasional scatological humor is to be expected, and most readers will appreciate the authors’ rapport and collective take on aging that acknowledges the aches and pains along with personal growth and joy.

Wide-ranging listicles for olds that are both funny and wise.