Source: reviewer: Edie Weinstein-Moser
Date: November 2009

Book Review:
Don't Let An Old Person Move Into Your Body:
How To Make The Rest of Your Life, the Best of Your Life by Jim Donovan

reviewed by Edie Weinstein-Moser

As Jim Donovan welcomes his fifth 'baby' into the world of words, ironically, it is geared toward those who are chronologically at the other end of the life spectrum. All that being said, “Don't Let An Old Person Move Into Your Body” has universal appeal, regardless of whether you are pre, post, or way past baby boomer generation. The subtitle is alluring as well, since those of us in the 50 plus range were fed the belief that as we age, we dry up physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually. Donovan aptly demonstrates, that couldn't be farther from the truth. In his first four books, he speaks of the dramatic turnaround his life took, from homeless and hopeless to revitalization and creating the life of his deepest dreams. A boomer himself, Donovan expands the vision to assist those who may have given up on their dreams.

From the outset, he challenges the myths related to aging including those which claim that deterioration is a necessary part of the aging process and that we can only enjoy life after years of hard work, scrimping and saving and then ultimately retiring.

Donovan offers inspiring suggestions such as finding a purpose, managing physical well being, tapping into the Law of Attraction, (raising your energetic vibration to call in what it is you desire) using affirmations and vision boards, as well as steering clear of people who are unhealthy role models (he uses the delightfully evocative term 'energy vampire' to describe someone who sucks the life out of you with their negativity).

Chapter titles, that invite the reader to delve into their depths, include:

Redefining Your Purpose and Reigniting Your Passion shares the story of a 63 year old man who left his day job to become a stripper.

Whatsoever You Believe offers up an idea that I use often, called a 'bridge belief' that can span the gap between where you are in your life currently and where you want to be.

You Don't Have To Eat Dog Food Unless You Want To provides guidance in the realm of finances, encouraging readers to be astute with regard to their assets and liabilities, reading the well considered wisdom of Robert Kiyosaki who wrote the ‘Rich Dad' book series. A powerful quote from Kiyosaki is “Live within your means and raise your means.”

A consummate word-smith, Donovan also suggests tried and true interventions including asking himself in the midst of a challenging situation: “What's working?” as in what it is that he can find that is beneficial rather than detrimental. He practices what he preaches by providing himself with 'extraordinary care days' during which he enjoys what I think of as 'get to's' rather than 'have to's'.

This book invites readers to commit to ultimate well being for what could be the most fulfilling times of their lives.