Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Our senior years are never easy. Adjusting to aging and saving for retirement often take a back seat because of family pressure, health issues, and the need to stay afloat financially. Peter Klein offers much more, taking an honest look at our senior years and highlighting what we never learned in school. Considerations in the Final Third of Life reveals that our retirement years involve more than just slowing down or making wise investment decisions. There are new priorities driven by an evolving mindset, and we need to plan. A central theme is learning to understand ourselves. The author encourages readers to make sense of life and seek clarity. Old age presents new challenges. He recommends that we simplify our dealings and revert to the essentials. This is an ideal time to focus on ourselves and review what went before, identifying patterns, and rethinking our priorities. We should use the skills acquired, such as self-discipline, knowing our limits, and reading signals. We are responsible for our actions, and there is no longer a need for ego or having to prove oneself. Other issues include getting to grips with linear time, male versus female life expectancy, diet, physical decline and healthcare, unresolved issues, and the need for forgiveness.

Peter Klein shares his life experiences and professional expertise in Considerations in the Final Third of Life. He reflects that life is a journey, rather like a river flowing. Sometimes we watch from the bank, and at other times we participate actively. This book is a companion on that journey. We should learn the lessons gained from experiencing life’s complexities and embrace the journey. You cannot turn back the clock, but instead make the transition gracefully. He asks pertinent questions such as whether there is a God and an afterlife, and explores faith versus science. I found the debate on Near-Death Experiences to be particularly interesting. The appendices deal with medical precautions, scans, tests, and surgery. An extensive bibliography provides background information from a variety of sources, and a comprehensive index is included. The author concludes that we should appreciate that we live in momentous times and have much to be thankful for. This work differs from conventional books on retirement, as it covers broader issues in a manner that is clear, informative, and relevant. It is highly recommended.