Book Review: The Second Fifty

Title: The Second Fifty

Author: Debra Whitman

Publisher: W.W. Norton and Company

Publication Date: September 10, 2024

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Debra Whitman's "The Second Fifty" offers a compelling and comprehensive guide to navigating life after 50, drawing from her experience as AARP's chief public policy officer and former staff director for the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The book addresses eight crucial questions about longevity, health, work, finances, housing, and end-of-life considerations. This organization allows readers to easily focus on areas most relevant to their current situation, making the book both accessible and practical.

What sets "The Second Fifty" apart from other retirement-focused books is its holistic approach. While many similar works primarily emphasize financial planning, Whitman broadens the scope to include often overlooked aspects such as housing choices, work considerations, and death preparation. This comprehensive view provides readers with a more complete picture of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Whitman's writing style is engaging and relatable, blending personal stories from across the country with groundbreaking research and policy insights. This combination of anecdotal evidence and hard data creates a well-rounded exploration of each topic. The author not only identifies challenges but also offers practical advice and potential solutions, making this book both informative and actionable.

One of the book's strengths is its focus on societal inequalities, highlighting key disparities between white and Black/Hispanic populations, as well as between rich and poor. This attention to social issues adds depth to the discussion and emphasizes the need for broader societal changes to support an aging population.

For readers approaching retirement or already in their later years, "The Second Fifty" serves as an invaluable resource. It prompts important self-reflection and planning, while also advocating for community and policy changes that could benefit all in their later years.

A big thank you to WW Norton and Company and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.