Michael Nevins, MD--"Aging Well: A Literary History on Aging and Ageism"

This presentation is an adaptation of a virtual talk, in November 2023, presented as part of a four-part series, sponsored by the Museum at Eldridge Street, in New York City.  This educational program, organized by Dr. Nevins, included several of his colleagues and explored matters that included a geriatrician’s perspectives on aging, an analysis of relevant ethical and legal issues, and considerations of what it is that constitutes “wise” aging.

In this talk, Dr. Nevins examines the contributions of numerous historical figures to aspects of aging, including such eminently recognizable examples as William Shakespeare, Thomas More, Anthony Trollope, William Osler, Elie Metchnikoff, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Sherwin Nuland, and others.

Dr. Michael Nevins practiced internal medicine, cardiology, and geriatrics in Bergen County from 1968 until his retirement in 2012.  In addition, for many years, he served as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Director of Medical Education at Bergen Regional Medical Center and was a member of New Jersey’s Bioethics Commission.  

Dr. Nevins was Governor of New Jersey’s chapter of the American College of Physicians and received its Laureate Award for career achievements in medical education, bioethics, and geriatrics.  He also served as the Medical History Society of New Jersey’s President and in 2010 received that organization’s David L. Cowen Award for his work in medical history.  

Dr. Nevins has published a dozen books related to medical history and you can read nearly one hundred of his essays and transcripts of his talks on his personal website, www.michaelnevinsmd.com.