The Book
Positively Not Old: Mindset and Longevity Habits for Aging Well
A collection of engaging essays that challenge the most common myth about aging — that our best years are behind us — and replace it with the upward spiral: small, intentional actions that create lasting momentum.
- Replace limiting beliefs with an upward spiral of growth and possibility
- Build momentum through small, intentional actions instead of waiting for the “perfect time”
- Turn setbacks and failure into fuel for becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient
- Develop habits that strengthen your body, mind, and outlook
About
Meet Dr. James Beckwith
Dr. James Beckwith is a doctor of optometry, longtime practice owner, speaker, and author who has been caring for patients since 1988. As the owner and operator of his optometric practice since 1990, he has spent decades helping people solve problems, protect their vision, and think more proactively about their health.
His work with patients inspired Positively Not Old. After more than 35 years in practice and hearing “Doc, I'm getting old,” said with resignation, he began to see how often people accept aging as decline before they have to. His mission is to help readers replace that resignation with positive hopefulness, practical action, and a healthier mindset toward aging well.
Dr. Beckwith lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife, Kimberly. They have three grown sons. Outside the office, he is a fitness enthusiast, enjoys travel, and champions lifelong learning.
- Wild Health Precision Medicine Fellow
- Vision Source Administrator for Southern Nevada since 2003
- Past President, Nevada Optometric Association
- Former Chair, NOA Legislative Committee
- Key opinion leader and speaker for CooperVision
Podcast Appearances & More
Against The Fade Podcast
From the show notes:
In this episode: what your eyes show about your body before you feel anything, why most men wait too long to get things fixed, and the one move that turns the slide into a and upward spiral.
The Mindful Journey Podcast
From the show notes:
Growing older can feel like a countdown, or like a long road walked one season at a time. If birthdays bring a quiet dread, this conversation offers another way to look at the years.
The Aging Well Podcast
From the show notes:
After more than 35 years caring for patients, optometrist, speaker, and author Dr. James Beckwith noticed how often people of every age would say, “I'm getting old,” as though aging automatically meant decline. That observation inspired his new book, Positively Not Old: Mindset and Longevity Habits for Aging Well.
Intervening Before Patients Spiral Down
Check out this guest article I wrote for the Review of Optometric Business!
Reclaim Your Energy After 50
From the show notes:
Join John Curran on the Reclaim Your Energy Podcast for a thoughtful, engaging conversation with Dr. James Beckwith—optometrist, practice owner, Wild Health Precision Medicine Fellow, speaker, and author of Positively Not Old.
Author • Keynote Speaker
Growing Older Doesn't Mean Growing Old.
Dr. James Beckwith, author of Positively Not Old, shows how small, intentional actions create an upward spiral at every stage of life.
35+
Years Caring for Patients
1988
Practicing optometrist since
Fellow
wild health precision medicine
Past President
nevada optometric association
The Upward Spiral Framework
“If I Keep Getting Better, I Can't Get Worse.”
Dr. Beckwith's framework turns aging from something that happens to you into something you direct — three moves that build on each other.
Mindset
Shift the story you tell yourself about aging. Resignation becomes hopefulness, and “I'm getting old” stops being the default script.
Action
Choose one manageable step — today, not at the perfect time. Small, intentional actions create momentum you can feel.
Upward Sprial
One better decision leads to the next. Keep improving physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally: if you keep getting better, you can't get worse.
Keynote Speaking
Keynotes That Inspire Action
— In Life and Leadership
Dr. Beckwith speaks to business owners, professional organizations, healthcare groups, and leadership audiences about the connection between managing yourself and managing a business. His message bridges personal development and professional effectiveness: the same challenges that keep people stuck in life — hesitation, overwhelm, lack of follow-through, and limiting beliefs — also show up in teams and organizations.
Positive Aging and the Upward Spiral
The Mindset of Continuous Improvement
Taking Action Without Overwhelm
Managing Yourself Before You Manage Others
How Personal Growth Fuels Leadership
Turning Good Intentions Into Follow-Through
Stay Connected
Start Your Own Upward Spiral
Join Dr. Beckwith's list for release news, practical reflections, and bite-sized ideas to help you keep improving at every stage of life.
Ready to Reframe
Aging and Take Action?
Whether you are interested in the book, looking for a keynote speaker, or simply ready to start thinking differently about what comes next, Dr. Beckwith's message will help you take the next step.