May is National Older Americans Month. More than ever, seniors are involved in their communities, engaged in new experiences—and simply redefining what growing older means.

Of course, you're never too old to learn the piano, paint your first landscape, or pick up photography. These titles inspire you to stay creative and enjoy activities in new ways as you age.


Compiled by:
Amber M.
100 countries, 5000 Ideas

National Geographic Society. Book Division.
Adult Nonfiction – 910.2 One

A wealth of ideas on today's most inspiring places to visit around the world. This book's value to the reader sets it apart: one section, for example, helps travelers choose a destination based on their interests—whether they're looking for a three-week dream vacation, a weekend excursion, or something in between. —National Geographic 


The Art of Memoir

Mary Karr
Adult Nonfiction – 809.93592 Kar

Karr breaks down the key elements of great literary memoir, opening our concepts of memory and identity, and illuminating the cathartic power of reflecting on the past; anybody with an inner life or complicated history, whether writer or reader, will relate. (Publisher)


The Beginner's Photography Guide: the Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera

Chris Gatcum
Adult Nonfiction – 770 Gat

Assuming no prior knowledge, this guide's easy-to-follow, step-by-step layout makes it accessible as it takes you through every technique you need to create stunning images, from exposure to flash to image enhancement. Handy checklists provide a quick rundown of the equipment and camera settings for each technique, and at-a-glance comparison images show how camera settings can produce remarkably different results. -DK


Creative Revolution: Personal Transformation Through Brave Intuitive Painting

Flora S. Bowley
Adult Nonfiction – 751.4 Bow

Painting can be so much more than a mere hobby—it can be a vehicle transforming your mind, body, and spirit! Painting and bravely embracing the challenges of creativity sparks a revolution that involves heart, creativity, courage, and trust! —Amazon 


Facebook for Seniors: Connect with Friends and Family in 12 Easy Lessons

Carrie Ewin
Adult Nonfiction – 006.754 Ewi

If you are new to Facebook, getting started can be confusing. From creating your account to keeping it secure, this guide helps you learn how to use Facebook with easy step-by-step instructions.  


It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond

Julia Cameron, Emma Lively
Adult Nonfiction – 155.6719 Cam

Cameron shows readers that retirement can, in fact, be the most rich, fulfilling, and creative time of their lives. A twelve-week course aimed at defining—and creating—the life you want to have as you redefine—and re-create—yourself, this book includes simple tools that will guide and inspire you to make the most of this time in your life. —Amazon


Keep it Moving: Lessons for the Rest of Your Life

Twyla Tharp
Adult Nonfiction - 158.1 Tha

One of the world's leading artists--a living legend--and bestselling author of The Creative Habit shares her secrets for harnessing vitality and finding purpose as you age. From insight to action, Keep It Moving is a guidebook for expanding one's possibilities over the course of a lifetime.


Knack Piano for Everyone: A Step-by-step Guide to Notes, Chords, and Playing Basics

Willard A. Palmer
Adult Nonfiction - 786.2193 Mar

Knack Piano for Everyone is a self-instruction book for beginners to intermediates, fully illustrated with full-color photographs and musical notation. The book will teach readers everything a beginner should know about the instrument itself—the parts, different kinds of pianos, care for pianos—and then provide the basics of reading piano music and playing.


New Aging: Live Smarter Now to Live Better Forever

Matthias Hollwich, Jennifer Krichels
Adult Nonfiction – 305.26 Hol

New Aging invites us to take everything we associate with aging—the loss of freedom and vitality, the cold and sterile nursing homes, the boredom—and throw it out the window. As an architect, Matthias Hollwich is devoted to finding ways in which we can shape our living spaces and communities to make aging a graceful and fulfilling aspect of our lives. (Publisher)


Recipes from Many Kitchens: Celebrated Local Food Artisans Share Their Signature Dishes

Valentina Rice
Adult Nonfiction – 641.5 Ric

This collection of over 80 recipes will see you through every occasion, from a decadent French Breakfast to an exotic Indian Feast. Valentina introduces you to this talented community of makers in this extraordinary collection of flavorful menus. —Amazon


Relax into Yoga for Seniors: a Six-Week Program for Strength, Balance, Flexibility, and Pain Relief

Kimberly Carson, Carol Krucoff
Adult Nonfiction – 613.7046 Car

While some people may consider yoga a young person's practice, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests yoga can be beneficial for a wide variety of age-related ailments. With this popular program, you'll be able to create a safe and effective individualized practice that will address your needs, take personal limitations into consideration, and help you relieve pain, become more flexible and active, and connect more deeply with your inner experience. (Publisher)


The Vintage Years: Finding Your Inner Artist (Writer, Musician, Visual Artist) After Sixty

Francine Toder
Adult Nonfiction – 153.35 Tod

If you ever wonder what it would feel like to play a musical instrument, write a play, or paint a landscape but thought you were too old, think again. Toder, a retired clinical psychologist, combines her experience as a late-blooming cellist with recent research into the psychosocial development of older people and the nature of the “healthy aging brain” to proclaim that going over the hill doesn’t have to be all about decline; in fact, it can lead to a “fertile valley on the other side.” —Publisher's Weekly