Book Talk: 1972 graduate’s book examines men and aging

Lenard Kaye ’72 co-authored A Man’s Guide to Healthy Aging, second ed. (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025), a book presenting a positive outlook on aging, viewing it as an opportunity for continued growth, vitality, and personal agency.

Binghamton Magazine: What negative narratives surround men and aging?

Lenard Kaye: Too often, aging men are typecast as past their prime, and are even guilty of seeing themselves according to the conventional image of the sedentary, frail, and dependent older adult. This negative imagery of the aging male also includes the overused characterization of the ill-tempered, stubborn, and cantankerous curmudgeon.

BM: What messages should men focus on instead?

LK: Growing numbers of men are taking pride in their age and are optimistic of the increasing measure of life that still awaits them. They want — and are well advised — to remain productive and active, making the most of their later years. Rather than winding down, older men are pursuing encore careers, checking items off their bucket lists, and avoiding what they never want to do again. Older men are growing more comfortable with themselves, focusing on what makes them happy and healthy.

BM: Men struggle to maintain friendships. How can they build their circles?

LK: Men’s social circles are likely to shrink when they retire because many of their friendships were workforce-based. Maintaining and establishing new same-gender friendships will require personal initiative and considerable time and effort, because men do not tend to pursue such relationships as naturally as women. It likely means getting involved in activities and places where they are most likely to meet other men who share common interests.

BM: Other than men who are 50-plus, who else should read this book?

LK: While this book is primarily meant for mature and aging men, it is a valuable resource in helping women better support the men in their lives. Anyone who wants to understand how aging inevitably changes our bodies, how we can best make retirement decisions, maintain a robust social support network, and maximize our physical, mental, and emotional health later in life will benefit from this book.