Breaking the Rules of Aging

This is an excellent book which combines the best of conventional and alternative medicinal approaches. The author explains how underweight people can have a shorter life expectancy. The author cautions that we should lose weight for specific reasons. i.e. diabetes management, reduction of blood pressure and osteoarthritis The standard alternative medicinal advice consists of eating sensibly, watching portions, avoiding snacks, low fat in the diet and stress management. B12 and folic acid are utilized to reverse the process of increased LDL and decreased HDL which can lead to heart problems. Chelation therapy can remove fat from the arterial structures. Tumeric is useful for pain management. Evening Primrose helps the heart and controls inflammation while alpha lipoic acid aids in carbohydrate metabolism. Fish oil contains the classic omegas 3,6 which are useful for controlling arthritis. This book proves that you can live longer with the proviso that you employ some of the classic strategies explained by the author.

Wonder how our understanding in aging has evolved over years.It was high time someone from medical field put to light the real facts about aging in 21st century. Who could have done it better than Dr Lipschitz, a leading world expert in Geriatrics, well known by public as Dr David. This book is brilliantly written, easy to understand by our lay baby-boomers who need to know these facts not just for the parents, they are involved in taking care of but also for themselves. The book is divided into 12 chapters. One by one, Dr Lipschitz tears down the age old myths about 'obesity' in elderly; and the real role of high tech medical interventions and too many pills that almost every elderly, especially nursing home residents are being prescribed. He systematically explains how myths about harmful effects of sex in old age are plain wrong. Chapter on benefits of increasing one's excercise regimen gradually is very enlightening as well. I myself loved chapters on alternative & anti-aging medicine. There is a lot out there with tall claims but little proof. An authentic voice has long been needed to lay down the facts about parallel health care industry today, most of it is still evolving and not proven thus far. Dr Lipschitz does it brilliantly. Being a geriatrician myself, I have read and reread this book. Each of my patients whom I recommended this book, have found it an extremely useful read as well. Here is a chance for those who might have missed Dr Lipschitz in PBS series, "Aging Successfully with Doctor David", to get acquainted with today's reality with growing old gracefully and not being shy on going to buy a Harley, as Dr Lipschitz puts it, to experience a fulfilled life right till our last day!

This is a "must have" book for all of us baby boomers who are beginning to show the signs of aging. I plan to send it to my baby boomer sisters, too. It dismisses all those myths about being frail and dependent. We can age gracefully and have fun in the process. Dr. David has filled this book with so much great information and tells us humorous stories along the way. He convinced me to start that strength training program. Don't miss this one!

What a book! Dr. David has written a book in layman's terms that is easy to understand and practical in terms of application. He has demystified medicine and in the process makes us aware that life is to be enjoyed, no matter what our chronocological age might be. And as a plus, he has written it in a manner that is entertaining. It is a book to be kept at your bed side. I recommend this book very highly. I will be watching for his next book and I hope he will keep sharing his knowledge with the public.

Dr. David has put together the sum total of all of the aging research that is at his fingertips as Director of the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging. He has written it down in an easy to understand practical manner. It is obvious why US News and World report has named his geriatric program at UAMS among the country's top ten. He openly shatters the myths that are fed to seniors by their doctors, the media, supplement companies, and fitness guru's. Dr. David's advice is based upon a no-nonsense, unbiased look at the medical research. If you are "young" and want to be a healthy, happy senior - read this book. If you, or your loved ones, are in the "third" stage of life (60+) then this book will open your eyes and your mind to healthy, scientifically based, and refreshing ideas that your doctor isn't likely to share with you. Dr. David empowers the reader with his knowledge and skillfully mixes conservative medicine with a focus on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. I would have loved to have a class from Dr. David during my doctoral studies. I plan to use the information in this book in my life and for my patients. Don't hesitate to buy it, you will be pleased.