This book addresses senior citizens and the large number of Baby Boomers entering the "golden years". It was written by a senior citizen for senior citizens. The Baby Boomer generation is estimated to be 78 million strong and will have a unique set of beliefs and characteristics, vastly different from previous generations. This encompasses all aspects of life, affecting beliefs about self, career, home, and leisure.

Senior Moments: Getting The Most Out of Your Golden Years

David Wayne Silva
Outskirts Press (2006)
ISBN 1598001639
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (6/06)


I took this book on to review because I know that the Golden Years for me are eminent and I’m closer to them than I’m not.  I wanted to learn from a Golden Ager what I was to look forward to.  But, to my surprise I learned more than I bargained for.

David Wayne Silva speaks not only to senor citizens but to Baby Boomers that are entering the Golden Years of their lives.  With over 78 million Baby Boomers facing their own transition from their set beliefs and circumstances to facing their own mortality as well as challenging health issues, Silva gives the reader a glimpse into the reality that they will encounter.  He has “been there, done that” and now shares his experience with chronic health issues, deterioration of the body, isolation and loneliness after loss of a loved one or friends, and even issues like sleeping and maintaining relationships.

In each chapter Silva writes about his own experience, often reminiscing or lamenting.  The stories touch the heart with many emotions – sadness, laughter, and concern.  He ends each story with suggestions to overcome or embrace the situation.  Each section is closed with an ecumenical prayer. Although “Senior Moments” has religious connotations, it is not a book about religion.

Reading Silva’s book had me sit back and get in touch with my own decisions of how I wanted to live my remaining years.  I reflected on my in-laws, whom are now deceased, and on my own parents, whom are still living.  I realized that each has chosen how they want to live out their Golden Years and how they contend with their challenges and issues that arise daily. Silva’s book confirmed in my mind that I’m the one that has to choose whether or not I want to live the Golden Years with grace and dignity, or, with complaints and isolation.  I chose the first and add to it the necessity of activity and relationships with others.

Although Silva targets the senior citizens and Baby Boomers with this book, I highly recommend “Senior Moments” to children and families of both.  Silva gives a clear and concise understanding of seniors – many things we don’t know about unless we experience them ourselves.  The second best is to read about another’s experience and learn from it.  Silva gives the opportunity.