Rich in Years - by Johann Christoph Arnold (Paperback)

About the Book

Contrary to the popular wisdom of our ad-driven culture, pastor Johann Christoph Arnold suggests that trying to stay young is the worst way to grow old. In his eleventh book, he shows that people who accept aging and the changes it brings enjoy happier, healthier lives than those who fight against it. Arnold knows growing older is no picnic. Now in his seventies, the world-traveling writer and speaker finds himself personally facing the limitations, indignities, regrets, and unspoken fears that come with aging. But he also knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people can do to make the journey less daunting and more fulfilling. No pop psychology or self-help manual, Rich in Years tackles tough issues such as loneliness, disability, dementia, making peace with family, and preparing for eternity. Arnold has helped over a million readers navigate crucial life issues such as forgiving, parenting, and grieving. His books blend wisdom from the worlds great thinkers and faith traditions with stories of ordinary people. People love stories, he says. My hope is that they find themselves in my books and say, That could be me.

Book Synopsis

Johann Christoph Arnold, admired by such prominent spiritual and inspirational leaders as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Cardinal Dolan, Pete Seeger, and many more, offers answers to the question: Why shouldn't growing older be rewarding?

Arnold, whose books have helped over a million readers through life's challenges, shows us the spiritual riches that age has to offer. Now in his seventies, Arnold finds himself personally facing the challenges of aging with grace.

With a foreword by Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Rich in Years covers the significant topics facing the aging, the elderly, and their family and caregivers: accepting changes, combatting loneliness, and continuing on with purpose and hope. Going beyond mere inspiration, Arnold does not shy away from such difficult topics as coping with dementia, the prospect of dying, and enduring with dignity. Through faith and a true spirituality, he says, we can find acceptance and serenity.

Johann Christoph Arnold knows, from decades of pastoral experience, what older people and their caregivers can do to make the most of the journey of aging. In this book, he shares stories of people who, in growing older, have found both peace and purpose. Praising Rich in Years, Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, writes, In simple language, Arnold gives hope-filled insights into the trials of aging for people of all ages. Pastor Arnold's book challenges those rich in years to also remain rich in faith.

Review Quotes

"Rich In Years is a beautiful book full of personal narratives and illuminating facts, written by a man imbued with great human wisdom, deeply anchored in Jesus, and rich in years, having known and counseled many people in their journey through life. Not just old folks should read it, but everyone."

In this book, Johann Christoph Arnold has once again offered us a translation of the meaning of God's love for us through all the days of our lives.

On these pages are wonderful words of hope. Savor them. As I sing in a recent song, What we do now, you and me, will affect eternity - God's counting on me, God's counting on you.

Unassuming yet outstanding, this is the best book I know on the godly ripeness that aging can bring in a Christian's life. Elderly folk will find the warmth that it radiates wonderfully invigorating.