A 90-YEAR-OLD first-time author has published a memoir which reflects on ways to improve of well-being and minimise stress.

Peter Stanley, who is a resident at Boughton Hall retirement complex in Filkins Lane, Chester, says the book can be best summarised by a quote from the Dalai Lama which serves as the heading for its opening chapter: "The more that we care for the happiness of others, the greater is the sense of our own well-being".

KISS: A meditation on the art of well-being by 'keeping it simple' sees Peter share his own experiences of overcoming adversity, as well as thoughts on how each of us can work together to create a more compassionate and equitable world. The book has a powerful message about the importance of the need to mitigate suffering, whether on an individual or social level, together with plenty of humour.

"The title is 'Keep It Simple Stupid'," Peter laughs.

Chester and District Standard: 'KISS' by Peter Stanley.'KISS' by Peter Stanley. (Image: 'KISS' by Peter Stanley.)

"I think everything today is totally overcomplicated, I really do. It takes ages to get anything done and I think its destroying society.

"The whole object of [the book] is that people these days are too stressed with everything that is going on - particularly since Covid. I've always had the same approach, throughout my life, that ostensibly it's all about helping others, you get so much back if you do that."

KISS is also informed by Peter's observations whilst with friend and fellow Boughton Hall resident Michael, who both take part in community projects in the area including litter picking.

The author says that a number of people had urged him to write the book, including Dr. Helen Carey who penned the book's foreword. Dr Carey managed occupational therapy services in Chester for many years and is now Programme Director for Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Florida, USA.

A former business owner, Peter says that his approach is applicable not just to individuals but to companies and wider society.

"We always used to have queues of people wanting to come and work for us simply because we ran it for the benefit of those who do the hard work. We once took some schoolboys to interview [Michael] Parkinson, and he said 'Whatever you do, you must learn your trade' and I have always found that not enough focus is given to the people at the hard end.

"People these days run companies, the venture capitalists and the hedge funds, they're all ripping people off. What you need to do is look after the people doing the work."

The author says despite his advancing years he still has plenty of drive and purpose, with two more books currently in the pipeline.

KISS, by Peter Stanley, is available from Spencers, the newsagents on Christleton road in Boughton, or from Amazon, in both Book and Kindle editions. All profits from KISS are being donated to Macmillan Cancer Research.

Further information about the book can also be found here.