The Swedish Art of Ageing Well:
life wisdom from someone who will (probably) die before you

$29.99 AUD

The Swedish Art of Ageing Well:
life wisdom from someone who will (probably) die before you

Overview

From the bestselling author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, here is a charming and humorous book about embracing life at any age.

In her first book, Margareta Magnusson shared with the world the practical Swedish tradition of döstädning, or ‘death cleaning’ — clearing out unnecessary belongings so others don’t have to do it for you. Now, unburdened by baggage (emotional and actual), she is able to focus on what makes each day worth living, and reveals her discoveries about growing older — some difficult to accept, and many rather wondrous. She reflects on her idyllic childhood on the west coast of Sweden, the fullness of her life with her husband and their five children, and learning how to live alone. Throughout, she offers advice on how to age gracefully, such as: don’t be afraid to wear stripes, don’t resist new technology, and let go of what doesn’t matter.

As with death cleaning, it’s never too early to begin. The Swedish Art of Ageing Well shows us how to prepare for and understand the ageing process, and the joys and sorrows it can bring. While Margareta still recommends downsizing and decluttering (your loved ones will thank you!), her ultimate message is that we should not live in fear of death, but rather focus on appreciating beauty, connecting with our loved ones, and enjoying our time together.

Wise, funny, and practical, The Swedish Art of Ageing Well is a gentle and welcome reminder that, no matter your age, there are always fresh discoveries ahead, and pleasures both new and familiar to be enjoyed every day.

Details

Format
Hardback
Size
210mm x 135mm
Extent
160 pages
ISBN
9781761380013
RRP
AUD$29.99
Pub date
31 January 2023
Rights held
ANZ
Other rights
Susanna Lea Associates

Praise

‘A few rules to live by even when the trials of getting older make it easy to complain … irresistible … how to make life worth living, no matter your age.’

The New York Times

‘Cheeky and concise prose … Magnusson is a wonderful storyteller full of wisdom, and this book embodies her attitude of exuberance.’

The Washington Post
more

About the Author

Margareta Magnusson says she is ‘somewhere between 80 and 100 years old’. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, on New Year’s Eve, and graduated from Beckman’s College of Design in Stockholm. After working as a fashion and advertisement designer, she embarked on a career as a painter. Her first solo exhibition was held in Gothenburg in 1979. Later, she exhibited in Stockolm, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and widely around Sweden. She has moved house 17 times within Sweden and abroad, which is why she says, ‘I should know what I am talking about when it comes to deciding what to keep and what to throw away’.
more about the author