"Good Morning America!” For nearly two decades, those were the words we heard from TV broadcast veteran Joan Lunden when she greeted viewers on the ABC news program. As the longest-running female host ever on early morning television, Joan reported from 26 countries, covered five presidents, showcased several Olympics and kept us up-to-date on how to care for our homes, families and health. She’s a sought-after motivational speaker and has authored 12 books, including a memoir, Had I Known, documenting her breast cancer struggle and treatment.
Now 70 years old, a mother of seven, including two sets of teen twins, Joan returned to morning television--reporting about Baby Boomers, aging and friendships on NBC’s The Today Show.
In a virtual video interview with the journalist from her home, Joan tells me it was a question from a Hollywood reporter that prompted her to write her latest book, WHY Did I Come Into This Room? She recalls, “This young guy, his first question to me was, ‘Well, Ms. Lunden, what is it going to be like for you going back to morning television as a senior citizen?’ I almost fell off my chair!” she exclaims. “I mean, OK, fine. Technically, I am. But I've never really thought of myself as one and it made me think afterwards, is that how he sees me?”
Joan truly believes age is just a number and uses her wit and humor to explore getting older, along with her own personal experiences. “After all, laughing is better than crying," she quips, "unless laughing makes you pee."
The grandmother doesn't hold back and no topic is off limits. Chapters include: Aging Ain’t for Sissies; I’m Not Old...I’m 45 Plus Shipping and Handling; and I Want to Be Cremated: It’s My Last Chance for a Smokin’ Hot Body.
Always the journalist, Joan explores the science, as well as the mental and emotional aspects, of aging and challenges readers to ask important questions of themselves, including: “Am I still relevant?” and “Do I have meaningful friendships?" Joan explains, “I didn't want to just talk to women about their bodies and about their bladders and their forgetfulness, but also how they feel about aging and how others see us. We want to stay vibrant because our mindset is maybe one of the most important things."
Find out what else Joan has to say (and laugh about) in our video chat at HECMedia.org. For more about the busy author and her books, visit JoanLunden.com.
