The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly - (The Swedish Art of Living & Dying) by Margareta Magnusson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, a book of humorous and charming advice for embracing life and aging joyfully.

In her international bestseller The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Margareta Magnusson introduced the world to the Swedish tradition of döstädning, or "death cleaning"--clearing out your unnecessary belongings so others don't have to do it for you. Now, unburdened by (literal and emotional) baggage, Magnusson is able to focus on what makes each day worth living. In her new book she reveals her discoveries about aging--some difficult to accept, many rather wondrous. She reflects on her idyllic childhood on the west coast of Sweden, the fullness of her life with her husband and five children, and learning how to live alone. Throughout, she offers advice on how to age gracefully, such as: wear stripes, don't resist new technology, let go of what doesn't matter, and more.

As with death cleaning, it's never too early to begin. The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly shows all readers how to prepare for and understand the process of growing older and the joys and sorrows it can bring. While Magnusson still recommends 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 eminently practical, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly 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 encountered every day.

Review Quotes

"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

"A warm, accessible guide to aging with grace and art (and chocolate). I loved it." --Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library

"Cheeky and concise prose... Magnusson is a wonderful storyteller full of wisdom, and this book embodies her attitude of exuberance." --The Washington Post

"Shows us how to prepare for and understand the aging process, and the joys and sorrows it can bring." --Buzzfeed

"The Swedish secret to a decluttered life." --Oprah Daily

"A thought-provoking guide for how to take life in with clear-eyed humor--whatever age we are. Definitely read this funny, very wise book before you die. Afterward, its availability may be severely limited." --Daniel Klein, bestselling author of Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life

Praise for The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

"A fond and wise little book. . . . I jettison advice books after I've flipped through them. This one I will keep." --Dwight Garner, The New York Times

"A slim yet sage volume. . . . While Marie Kondo gave us strict instructions to only keep things that spark joy, Magnusson's book is straightforward and unsentimental (with a bit of humor)." --The Washington Post

"Witty, useful and oddly profound." --Entertainment Weekly

"Proustian. . . . Ms. Magnusson is the anti-Kondo, who takes us on a charming and discursive tour of her own stuff." --Penelope Green, The New York Times

"Magnusson shares solid guiding principles for organizing your home, no matter your age or life circumstance." --Business Insider

"One of the most charming, funny, and motivating books I've read in some time. . . . Magnusson is an absolute delight. This book is so much more than lifestyle tips. It's full of life. Magnusson's candid humor and unassailable spirit comes through on each page." --Buzzfeed

"Magnusson uses a dry, unsentimental and sometimes dark Scandinavian sense of humor, and writes with an older set (and their younger relatives) in mind. . . . like a conversation over tea with a friend." --Associated Press

"The answer to clutter you've been looking for. . . . Magnusson instructs readers on how to gently and joyously put your affairs in order while you're still alive." --Reader's Digest

"Smart... death cleaning isn't about getting rid of all your stuff, but rather streamlining your life so you're only holding onto what makes you happy . . . it's about so much more than dusting and sorting." --Elle Décor

"Like having a sensible, cheerful aunt sit you down to tell you hard truths that your mother is too nice to say." --Laurie Hertzel, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Has benefits you can enjoy while you're still very much alive. . . . could be a good way for families to discuss sensitive issues that might otherwise be hard to bring up." --TIME

"Pragmatic. . . . the idea in this system is that we should leave behind as little as possible, or at least, not the many thousands of items of junk that Americans often accumulate." --W Magazine

"Even millennials will enjoy this non-militant approach to decluttering." --PEOPLE Magazine

"A mindful way to sort through your belongings throughout your life." --Better Homes and Gardens

About the Author

Margareta Magnusson (1934-2026) is the author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly. She was born in Sweden and lived all over the world. Margareta graduated from Beckman's College of Design and her art has been exhibited in galleries from Hong Kong to Singapore. She had five children and seven grandchildren and did not leave a mountain of stuff for them to clean up when she died.