Be an Outrageous Older Woman

By Ruth H. Jacobs

Book Overview

In a society that worships youth and relegates its seniors to second-class citizen status, many elderly women end up ignored, mourning their lost youth. It doesn't have to be that way, says Dr. Ruth Harriet Jacobs, Remarkable Aging Smart Person and self-proclaimed troublemaker. Her solution: Be An Outrageous Older Woman. A unique guide to living it up in the senior years, this feisty book addresses the many issues faced by older women in a sassy, humorous and yes, even outrageous way. Drawing from her personal experience and from years of meticulous research, Dr. Jacobs covers such areas as:

Sexuality: an A-to-Z list of different ways to keep the fires of passion burning

Reinventing yourself

Having fun on a tight budget

Fostering relationships and social groups

Being outrageous with your descendants

The benefits and bonuses of aging -- the most freedom since puberty

Much, much more

Filled with practical advice and innovative ideas, Be an Outrageous Older Woman gives readers the knowledge and inspiration they need to live as first-class citizens and make their golden years shine.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060952539
• ISBN13: 9780060952532
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

SHE'S INSPIRATIONAL

Ruth Jacobs has written a timeless book --- I think it will continue to be relevant to women for many years to come. In fact, it was so relevant to me personally that I quoted her a number of times in my own book. You won't be disappointed --- she writes well on a variety of topics. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

an outrageously good book

Thanks to Ruth Jacobs for this liberating book. Far too many people give up the fight when they hit certain age milestones. But why become "old" simply because you no longer succumb to the siren song of corporate marketers. Which is one of the main reasons older people are considered irrelevant--you're not as easily manipulated by advertising pitches as you were when you were younger. So, let this book be your companion as you fight the good fight against stereotypes.

Finally Be Your Fabulous SELF at Fifty or Older!

This is a terrific guide written by a "Power-Granny" (--my term for and outrageous older woman of any age--)!Ruth Harriet Jacobs has faced the boogeymen of age with courage and humor, and she generously shares her wisdom in this book.It's a guide that covers everything from turning your "rage" (at becoming invisible as you age, etc.), into your own brand of out-rage-eousness. If you're feeling depressed about any aspect of growing older, this book will help lift your spirits and give you new ideas on ways to get the most out of this stage of life.Reviewer: Linda Painchaud

For older women who are not afraid of life

Two of my favorite women were the late actresses Ruth Gordon and Roz Russell who stared in a favorite movie of mine "Auntie Mame". Both women would have loved this book because its a book with attitude. Attitude is something older women either are afraid of or embrace. And the author is a woman I would like as a friend because she is upfront and dares talk about things that some think older women shouldn't talk about.The book is full of really useful information and about a variety of subjects from sex, money and housing to family and life in general and how to take more risks and get more out of life. Chapter 10 Having Fun is a good example. The author says "The truth is that you can have a lot of fun being a thorn in the flesh of those who do not do right by you or others. You have a sense of humor that can sustain you through tough times" and she goes on to show how you can combine fun with social action. She also knows how to use the fine art of sarcasm which is almost a lost art.Also like her sections on affordable housing and how to be creative with housing. And how to be creative when it comes to travel and lodging. It was so great to read where she to is a user of hostels when traveling. Hostels are a common sight in Europe and in some areas here in the West.And I agree with her that there are so many ways to make some extra money that simply requires a frontier spirit. Like picking up recyclable bottles and cans when we are out doing errands or on a walk. I wear a small backpack when I am out walking so that I can pick up pop cans that people toss away and not only do I help keep the roadside clean I make a few extra dollars a week doing so.Like the people in my local simple living group the author shows how using beauty colleges or chain hair cut outlets can save money. And dollar stores can get you many of the same items for a dollar that you pay more for at a drug or grocery store. Or on page 221 where she says that instead of paying money you cant afford or don't want to spend talking to someone on the phone whose voice you really do not need to hear, use email or send a written letter via the post office. And its more personal and you can write what you want and no more.Her suggestions about shopping around for the best druggist where you can get the best prices on needed prescriptions is an excellent one. And asking your physician for samples of the drugs you take that the drug makers give him/her can save money. The chapters on Outrageous Friendships and Companionships is awesome and something those who really do not want to be alone could learn a lot from. It is information those with a variety of friends already know. I also liked Chapter Six and her section on Be Politically Outrageous. and the section on the Benefits and Bonuses Of Aging. I am in my fifties and cannot tell you how much useful information this author has shared that I am so grateful for learning about. And I was well informed before I read the book.