Aging Well with Diabetes: A 10 Point Action Plan for Older Adults, By Medha Munshi, MD, and Sheri Colberg, PhD
A Book Review by IDS’s Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez
Aging Well with Diabetes presents a practical, evidence-informed framework to support older adults and their caregivers in managing diabetes while maintaining vitality, independence, and quality of life.
Dr. Medha Munshi and Dr. Sheri Colberg (whom I’ve always looked up to as a fellow exercise physiologist) offer a clear 10-point action plan that feels both comprehensive and achievable.
What Makes This Book Stand Out
- Tailored to Older Adults
Unlike most diabetes guides aimed at the general adult population, this book explicitly addresses aging physiology such as muscle loss, cognitive changes, fall risk, and shifting medication needs. - Actionable and Adaptive
Each chapter ends with achievable goals and practical strategies. Whether adjusting exercise routines to prevent falls or navigating dietary changes to accommodate digestion, the guidance centers on real-world application. - Holistic Focus
Topics range from glycemic control to brain health, sleep, comorbidity management, and resilience, emphasizing a balanced approach beyond blood sugar numbers. - Caregiver Collaboration
The book responds to a growing need: accommodating cognitive, mobility, and lifestyle variations among older adults. It’s designed to serve as a resource both for individuals with diabetes and for caregivers or healthcare providers.
Noteworthy Chapters
- Stand Up and Stride Away – adapting physical activity recommendations to minimize risk while promoting strength and flexibility
- Rev Up Your Brain Power – linking cognitive health to metabolic control and lifelong learning habits
- Sleep Well, Rest, and Recuperate – highlighting the often-undervalued importance of recovery in diabetes management.
These chapters particularly resonate with me as an exercise physiologist and CDCES in underscoring the need for tailored movement strategies and metabolic coaching across the lifespan.
Who Should Read This
- Older adults managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want an individualized, lifestyle-based playbook
- Caregivers, adult children, or healthcare professionals seeking structured, evidence-based guidance
- Exercise and healthcare professionals aiming to support metabolic health in older populations
Final Take
Aging Well with Diabetes fills a critical niche in diabetes literature. With its clear 10-point structure, adaptable recommendations, and caregiver-friendly voice, it empowers older adults to manage diabetes proactively and holistically. It’s a standout resource that invites ongoing application, not just one-time reading.
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