The Virtues of Aging
By Jimmy Carter
Ballantine Library of Contemporary Thought, $9.95
ISBN 0345425928

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Random House Large Print, $12.95
ISBN 0375704604

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Dove Audio, $15
ISBN 0787117994

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Jimmy Carter is getting into the act of promoting positive aging. In his 12th book, The Virtues of Aging, the former President joins America's luminaries on the increasingly popular topic of exuding confidence in the good life after 65.

All should decide on a life path which, above all, centers on giving us a purpose, good relationships, and a disciplined exercise program. We should see our lives as "expanding, not contracting," writes Carter, who at age 56 left the White House and Washington.

He and his wife Rosalynn -- now enjoying their "second 50 years" of marriage -- returned to Plains, Georgia, where they struggled to find their place again in the world away from the political spotlight and outside the frenzied Washington Beltway.

After months of uncertainty and attempting to return their peanut farm to prosperity, the Carters established the Carter Center in nearby Atlanta as the focus for pursuing their multiple interests.

From this vantage point, the Carters together and individually convene meetings on favorite topics of national and international import, participate with hammer and pliers in Habitat for Humanity (building houses for those in need), and maintain an interest in promoting international citizen exchange through the Friendship Force.

The Virtues of Aging is a virtuous (sometimes saccharine) book written by a virtuous man. The author's approach is down-home and conversational. He might preach on occasion ("Social Security laws must change"). We almost see him blush when he deals -- all too briefly -- with the subject of sexuality and aging, reminding us painfully of his admission of experiencing "lust in his heart."

In a chapter entitled "What Is Successful Aging?" Carter writes, "You may be surprised to learn that I think one of the most important [goals] should be our own happiness."

Marsha VandeBerg is a writer in San Francisco and founding national editor of a magazine for readers who are 50 and older.