A Compelling Guide to Continual Self-Renewal

The Adult Years is a compelling look at adulthood as an opportunity for continual revitalization, reorientation, and positive change. In this revised edition, Frederic Hudson updates and refines his vision, reflecting the extraordinary challenges we all face in today's fast-paced, ever-changing society. Whether you are eighteen or eighty-eight, this classic best-selling guide will inspire you to unlock the power of personal renewal.

Praise for the First Edition

"The most compelling book ever written on personal transition and transformation. If you are concerned about your own renewal and the renewal of our planet, you must read this book."

—James M. Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge, Second Edition

"The Adult Years will help you to think about your life-and to stay vital all your life."

—John W. Gardner, consulting professor, Stanford University, former secretary of Health, Education and Welfare

"If you want to sustain personal empowerment throughout your adult years, read this book. Whether you are young or old, up or down, married or divorced, you will be inspired and informed by this book."

—Harville Hendrix, author of Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples

"I recommend Hudson's book with great enthusiasm to all who are interested in quality of life and peak performance in life's middle years."

—Charles A. Garfield, author of Peak Performers: The New Heroes of American Business

"A rare blend of personal experience and testimony from people of many ages. This book provides a refreshingly optimistic perspective on age and aging."

—Judy Stevens-Long, author of Adult Life, fourth edition

Hudson founded an institute which offers training programs for adult renewal, empowerment, and leadership, and has worked in the field for more than 30 years. Addressing the growing segment of the US population over 50, he discusses how people find meaning and mission across the adult life cycle. This is a revised edition; the original's year of publication is not stated.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Adult Years is a compelling look at adulthood as an opportunity for continual revitalization, reorientation, and positive change. In this revised edition, Frederic Hudson updates and refines his vision, reflecting the extraordinary challenges we all face in today's fast-paced, ever-changing society. Whether you are eighteen or eighty-eight, this classic best-selling guide will inspire you to unlock the power of personal renewal.

Praise for the First Edition

"The most compelling book ever written on personal transition and transformation. If you are concerned about your own renewal and the renewal of our planet, you must read this book."--James M. Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge, Second Edition

Includes bibliographical references (p. 263-316) and index.

PrefaceAbout the AuthorPrologue

Part One: The Emerging Adult

1. In Over Our Heads

2. Finding Fulfillment in Cyclical LivesTable 1. Linear and Cyclical Views

Part Two: The Renewal Cycle: Life Chapters and Life Transitions

3. An Overview of the Renewal CycleDiagram 1. The Renewal Cycle: Life Chapters and Life TransitionsDiagram 2. Ten Life Skills for Sustaining Purpose and Passion in the Renewal Cycle

4. Life ChaptersDiagram 3. Phase 1_Dreaming, Planning, and PlateauingDiagram 4. Phase 2_Managing the Doldrums

5. Life TransitionsDiagram 5. Phase 3_Cocooning: Coming to Terms with YourselfDiagram 6. Phase 4_Getting Ready for the Next Chapter: A Time for Experimenting

Part Three: The Adult Life Cycle

6. Meaning and Mission Across the Life CycleDiagram 7. The Life CycleDiagram 8. The Adult Life Cycle: Eight Versions of Human PurposeTable 2. Decade Orientations in the Life Cycle

7. The Twenties, Thirties, and Midlife Transition: Breaking Out, Staking Out, and Making It

8. The Forties and Fifties: Taking Stock, Individuating, and Enjoying Life

9. The Sixties, Seventies, Eighties, and Nineties: The Longest and Least-Defined Life Phase

10. Getting from Here to There: Six Principles of Developmental ChangeTable 3. Historical Values

Part Four: Adults and Global Change

11. Valuing the Global Context: The Adult Challenges of the Twenty-First Century

12. The Self-Renewing Adult, the Resilient Society: Ten Qualities of Self-Renewing Persons

13. A New Profession of Adult Mentors and Coaches Notes

Reading ListIndex