By Lindsay Hutter
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the Alexandria Times on July 16, 2025. Read the article on the Alexandria Times website here.
If we are lucky, we age.
And while adults can be quick to find reasons to complain about changes that aging can bring, we are architects of how we age and how we can uplift the older adults around us.
If you want to take some ownership of how you will age, a group of aging professionals from Goodwin Living invites you to consider this summer reading list. Check out this curated list of beach reads from Brian Patterson, the Culinary Innovation & Development Chef; Melinda Gren (PT, DPT), Vice President of Performance and Operations; Jessica Fredericksen, Director of Brain Health; and Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living.
Patterson’s recs
“Techniques of Healthy Cooking”: As a former culinary instructor myself, cooking textbooks are light summer reading. My priorities for Goodwin Living kitchens – as well as my own kitchen at home – are focused on “plant-forward” trends, nudging plant-based foods towards the center of the plate and using animal proteins sparingly as the garnish. “Techniques of Healthy Cooking” by The Culinary Institute of America is not only a cookbook filled with 500 plant-forward recipes, it is also a comprehensive kitchen reference for understanding nutrition concepts, creating healthy eating patterns, developing healthy recipes and menus and cooking healthy recipes.
“The Blue Zones American Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100”: In 2005, author Dan Buettner brought attention to the phenomenon of the Blue Zones as studies in longevity, resilience and wellness in specific habitats and lifestyles. Older adults thriving in the Blue Zones have inspired home cooks and professional chefs alike with their simple, plant-forward approach, with more tastefully cooked vegetables and less reliance on animal protein. This book makes the concept of Blue Zone dining and lifestyle change more accessible to the American cook and diner.
Gren’s rec
“Young Forever”: I love this resource and much of what Dr. Mark Hyman promotes through podcasts, social media and articles. I especially appreciate his intentionality around the foundations of health: movement, sleep, sunlight, breathwork and community. These foundations don’t have a price, however, if we don’t build our foundation with these “blocks,” our health will pay the price.
Fredericksen’s recs
“Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art”: This book is a great deep dive into wellness for all ages. Author James Nestor uses history and cultural significance of breathwork along with modern research to detail a new way of thinking and practicing the way we breathe.
“The XX Brain”: This book, authored by Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., provides some great suggestions for improving brain health and reducing one’s risk of dementia. While a majority of medical research is conducted on males, “The XX Brain” provides much-needed insight on brain health specifically for women.
“Dancing with Elephants”: As someone who has always struggled with the ability to sit still and meditate or engage in mindfulness practices, I typically do not put books on mindfulness at the top of my list. However, Jarem Sawatsky blends his personal experience with dementia and chronic illness along with mindfulness habits and stories from other individuals in a way that’s approachable and engaging. “Dancing with Elephants” will have you feeling a little bit more grateful, balanced and prepared to take on whatever life brings.
Liebreich’s recs
“Outlive”: Longer lifespans are coming, but what about healthspans? Living longer in sickness is not the goal; rather if we are going to live longer, we need to know how to live healthier lives, too! Welcome to “Outlive” by Dr. Peter Attia.
“Being Mortal”: Medicine can prolong life in many situations, but what about the emotional and social aspects of aging? Written by Dr. Atul Gwande, a surgeon and son who chronicles his family’s journey through a parent’s health challenges, this can be a helpful preview of scenarios to anticipate and prepare for whether you are the older adult or a loved one. Embrace this book.
From all of us at Goodwin Living, happy reading and may you age well!
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Lindsay Hutter is the daughter of a mother and father who survived the Great Depression, World War II and the loss of family and friends. Throughout their lives, they unfailingly chose to construct rather than destruct and to leave people and places better than they found them. Lindsay strives to follow in her parents’ footsteps. Since 2017, she has served as Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer for Goodwin Living.
