Joyspan: The Art And Science Of Thriving In Life's Second Half

America’s Gerontologist, Dr. Kerry Burnight, is on a mission to make older, better.  Dr. Kerry taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She is the cofounder of the nation's first Elder Abuse Forensic Center and the founder of TheGerontologist.com. She was an invited speaker to the U.S. White House at the Elder Justice Summit, and at the U.S. Department of Justice. She has appeared on such T.V. programs as CBS News, NBC News, The Doctors, Money Matters, and The Dr. Phil Show  and has been the keynote speaker at hundreds of conferences. She’s known as "America’s Gerontologist" for optimizing dignity, health, and joy in longevity through research, teaching, podcasts, blogs, Instagram, X, Facebook, and Tiktok.
 

"A profound and compassionate guide for cultivating a life of deep inner meaning. This book beautifully bridges the science of the brain with the wisdom of the heart—a journey that aligns perfectly with our current understanding of the neurobiology of compassion, connection, and overall well-being. JOYSPAN serves not just as a book, but as both a mirror for self-reflection and a practical map for healing, presence, and ultimately, the experience of joy."—Dr. James R. Doty, MD, adjunct professor of neurosurgery, Stanford University; founder and director, The Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE); and New York Times bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop

"In a world racing toward longer lifespans through innovation and biotech, Joyspan reminds us what truly matters: the human experience of aging. Dr. Kerry Burnight offers a profound, science-backed framework that complements technological advancements with emotional intelligence, purpose, and joy. This book is a critical companion to the future of longevity."—Katy Fike, PhD, gerontologist, managing partner of Generator Ventures, and cofounder of Aging2.0

"This book presents a wonderful combination of science, common sense, heart, and practical tools in a way that is accessible and fun. Joyspan will help each of us live our best lives."—Laura Mosqueda, MD, director, National Center on Elder Abuse; former dean, University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine; and professor of family medicine, geriatrics, and gerontology

"A transformative guide that redefines what it means to age well…With deep expertise and genuine warmth, Dr. Kerry Burnight offers readers a refreshing and research-based roadmap to living with purpose, connection, and joy—at every stage of life. This is not just a book; it’s an invitation to thrive."—Helen Dennis, nationally recognized leader on aging and the new retirement, syndicated columnist, author, speaker and co-author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller Project Renewment ®: The First Retirement Model for Career Women

"Joyspan’s message is urgent and uplifting: Our later years can be rich with growth, connection, purpose, and joy. Kerry Burnight braids the art and science of aging well with the inspiring secrets of her mother, Betty, a social media star at ninety-six! Amidst all the antiaging noise, Joyspan reminds us to embrace the gift of time—no small thing."—MT Connolly, JD, recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Genius Award, and author of The Measure of Our Age

"[An] insightful debut. Burnight’s cheery tone and targeted tips for dealing with such issues as health setbacks (avoid comparisons to "your pre-setback self" and concentrate instead on small wins, like walking farther than yesterday) will go a long way in helping readers feel supported, and she remains clear-eyed throughout about the painful realities of changes like the loss of independence and the deaths of spouses and loved ones. The result is a pragmatic resource for those who feel anxious about aging."—Publishers Weekly