Author and social scientist Sieglinde Othmer wrote a guide to joyous living for her fellow octogenarians. But she’s gotten a surprising response from other age groups since it’s not only older people who seek guidance on how to live fully.

After Othmer’s husband of 55 years died several years ago, she wanted to regain the independent and adventurous feelings she had as a young woman before her marriage. The result was Joyous Longevity: The A-Z Field Guide. She discusses how she used each letter of the alphabet to suggest a short path to a happier day. For instance, M is for Movement, and she describes the benefits of daily walks.

Othmer earned a Ph.D. in social sciences at the University of Hamburg in her native Germany. She moved to the United States in 1967 and has lived, worked, and raised her children, mainly in Parkville, Missouri.