Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half

by Kerry Burnight Ph.D

Overview

From America’s Gerontologist, a practical guide that offers a radical and optimistic approach to longevity.

Dr. Kerry Burnight—known to her many followers as "Dr. Kerry"—is sparking a revolution to make older better.  Fed up with the fear driven, anti-aging hysteria, hundreds of thousands of people turn to Dr. Kerry for her practical, effective and uplifting approach to navigating longevity—our parents' and our own.  

In Joyspan, Dr. Kerry shares her popular philosophy and tools in a comprehensive resource that moves readers from fear to peaceful confidence. Dr. Kerry’s insights, along with those of her inspiring 95 year-old mother Betty, are based upon a profound truth: the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life. Books that advance lifespan and “healthspan” don’t address the whole picture. Dr. Kerry introduces readers to the critical concept of “joyspan” based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose.  

Part manifesto, part how-to guide, Joyspan proves that internal strength is as critical as external fitness.Filled with both perspective-shifting strategies and troubleshooting for the specific challenges of aging—including caregiving, dementia, unexpected diagnoses, isolation, uncoupling via death or divorce, financial concerns, and more— this book is an essential resource for a generation looking for a better way to grow older—and to help our aging parents do the same.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781546007357
Publisher:	Hachette Nashville
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.88(d)

About the Author

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. Kerry Burnight 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 is the co-founder of the nation’s first Elder Abuse Forensic Center, and founder of TheGerontologist.com. 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.
 

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher