In a culture obsessed with youth and beauty, aging can be an ugly topic. Instead of avoiding the discussion, the authors of a new book argue that we need to embrace it.

“The conversation can be fun. It shouldn’t be terrifying to age or to talk about it. It should be delightful to think about that chapter in life,” said Martha Nussbaum, a professor of philosophy and law at the University of Chicago who is the co-author of the new book “Aging Thoughtfully: Conversations about Retirement, Romance, Wrinkles and Regret.”

“Growing older is not just about pain and death,” Nussbaum said. “It’s a long period of active living. To be afraid of it and push it under the rug when you’re younger is a bad idea. You do need to think about and plan for how you will deal with money, work, philanthropy, and how you want to leave things for your children. It’s needs to be dealt with early on. If you wait to 65, that’s too late.”

Saul Levmore, also a professor of law at the University of Chicago, co-authored “Aging Thoughtfully.” He agree that it’s important to have these discussions with loved ones, even though it can be an uncomfortable conversation, especially when it comes to issues like estate planning. “Nothing says that one’s children need to receive equal amounts of wealth,” said Levmore. “I think if people talk about these things they can come up with some creative solutions that reflect the parent(s) priorities. Examples include annuities and funds that can be directed toward specific children and grandchildren, with a third party making the decision about when that person should receive more funds.”

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