Contact: Jeff Banashak, 251-861-2525, jeff@evergreen777.com

MOBILE, Ala., July 30, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- According to the Administration on Aging, U.S. senior citizens numbered more than 39 million in 2009. They represented almost 13% of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans. By 2030, it is estimated there will be 72 million seniors, about one in every five citizens. Not only are there more seniors than ever, they are also living much longer. With an aging population also comes new challenges for families, for society, and for seniors themselves.

In the previous generation, most retirees didn't live much beyond their retirement date. Now it's not uncommon for folks to live twenty years beyond retirement age. But what will this new generation of septuagenarians, octogenarians, and nonagenarians do with all their free time, and how will they cope with the challenges of being older? Author Bee Oldfield thinks she has some answers for this demographic in her new book, Brace Yourself!--after all she's 93! In a folksy manner, Bee shares practical tips to prepare others for a time of life like no other. She's living proof that seniors can adapt and function quite well and retain their sense of humor and dignity.

Many, if not most, people in their later years withdraw within themselves, feeling that they must match the mental image most people have of an "old lady" or an "old man," so they stop looking or acting like their best selves. Bee encourages these folks to dress colorfully, to fix their faces or hair, and do the things younger people might otherwise be too busy to enjoy.

Bee shares, "Being really old isn't easy, so my book mentions specific ways that we can make the best possible use of whatever resources are available." She suggests, for example, simply slowing down to reduce the number of falls that might occur, or labeling storage containers so you can easily find what you are looking for--a simple step that will save time in the long run. Bee is also a fan of keeping pets. She says they help keep us young at heart. Bee encourages her fellow seniors to laugh, give of themselves, and hold on to their faith. Most of all, she shares her wit and wisdom to help seniors enjoy their golden years with grace and dignity.

Brace Yourself!, by Bee Oldfield, 128 pages, PB, $10.99, ISBN: 978-158169-484-0  Published by Evergreen Press (2014)