Book Review #1 Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Having read Being Mortal, I thought I could share my thoughts on it and how it impacted me.
This book covers the really heavy subject of being mortal and navigates it with ease. The start of the book looks at our independence as we get older and then the frailties of ageing. It really sheds a lot of light on the complications and the subtle/drastic changes that happen as we get older. Atul uses his experience and relationships with his patients and colleagues, making it so clear and understandable for just about anyone to comprehend. This degree of information and insight into ageing, enables me to understand people who are advancing in age and to have a lot more compassion for them. Knowing the early signs and symptoms can really help, if you care to see them in those around you.
Atul also dispels a lot of myths around getting old and what we can expect. I think it's great to know about these changes and what to expect from a practical point of view. If for example; I notice things changing, I will know what you need to do, and where to go for help.
As the book progresses, it changes topics well and moves to the different types of living options available as we become more frail.
It looks at living at home during frailty and what this can mean for the person getting by on their own. Some of the pitfalls and some of the benefits.
It also looks at the history of Assisted Living as a bridge between independence and assistance (Care Homes) to enable people to have the best of both worlds. But as with most things, change comes and it can be welcomed or unwelcome, I will say no more, as it's one of the highlights of the book, to hear about the history of all this stuff.
Being mortal comes to a close with Atul experiencing some of of the very things he has experienced with his patients, coming very close to home. With this, he deep dives into some of the topics that came up, like letting go and having them difficult conversations. During this book Atul takes us through such a variety of views around ageing, advanced living, terminal and non-thermal conditions and then ultimately to death.
I loved this book, as the author made everything seems so understandable and normal, while sharing not only his view and vast knowledge of this subject, but by also letting you into his personal life and the experiences he had. It left me feeling humbled to have had a glimpse of Atul's world.
I have tried to share with you a little, of the huge amount I took away from this book, without spoiling it too much, I hope.
If you haven't read this book, it really is a must. I takes pride of place on my book shelf and comes out often.
This book covers the really heavy subject of being mortal and navigates it with ease. The start of the book looks at our independence as we get older and then the frailties of ageing. It really sheds a lot of light on the complications and the subtle/drastic changes that happen as we get older. Atul uses his experience and relationships with his patients and colleagues, making it so clear and understandable for just about anyone to comprehend. This degree of information and insight into ageing, enables me to understand people who are advancing in age and to have a lot more compassion for them. Knowing the early signs and symptoms can really help, if you care to see them in those around you.
Atul also dispels a lot of myths around getting old and what we can expect. I think it's great to know about these changes and what to expect from a practical point of view. If for example; I notice things changing, I will know what you need to do, and where to go for help.
It looks at living at home during frailty and what this can mean for the person getting by on their own. Some of the pitfalls and some of the benefits.
It also looks at the history of Assisted Living as a bridge between independence and assistance (Care Homes) to enable people to have the best of both worlds. But as with most things, change comes and it can be welcomed or unwelcome, I will say no more, as it's one of the highlights of the book, to hear about the history of all this stuff.
Being mortal comes to a close with Atul experiencing some of of the very things he has experienced with his patients, coming very close to home. With this, he deep dives into some of the topics that came up, like letting go and having them difficult conversations. During this book Atul takes us through such a variety of views around ageing, advanced living, terminal and non-thermal conditions and then ultimately to death.
I loved this book, as the author made everything seems so understandable and normal, while sharing not only his view and vast knowledge of this subject, but by also letting you into his personal life and the experiences he had. It left me feeling humbled to have had a glimpse of Atul's world.
I have tried to share with you a little, of the huge amount I took away from this book, without spoiling it too much, I hope.
If you haven't read this book, it really is a must. I takes pride of place on my book shelf and comes out often.
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