Successful Aging

The fact that many of the suggestions may be intuitive, as one critic alleges, is irrelevent. Many people act contrary to their intuition out of laziness, depression or whatever. Positive reinforcemnt of classic truths could be of great help to such people and should not be trivialized or dismissed. Such advice is plentiful in this invaluable book and not all of it is intuitive. One such is the statement that, even if you are in your nineties, it is not too late to begin weight training. Fortunately for me, I read this book soon after publication and am eternally thankful that, at the age of 76, I go to a gym several times weekly and run regularly. While x-rays show me to be racked with osteoarthritis I am asymptomatic. I consider "Successful Aging" a must read.

The research findings reported in Successful Aging have been supported in a new 20-year study by an independent group of researchers. The study by Becca Levy of Yale Univerisity, et al, was reported in 2002. Simply stated, we can decide now to live longer and better. Having a positive attitude about aging is alone responsible for extending life by 7.5 years, and years of activity and involvment, not suffering. This is a very worthwhile read, despite what some stupid old fools have written before.

While some may object to these "counterintuitive" findings, this book is in line with the vast majority of recent research in the field of gerontology. The notes at the back of the book give plenty of evidence to back up the claims here, too! In other words, it's accurate -- maybe not obvious, or what people want to hear, but accurate. That's what I wanted, and I think it's what most people can use. The extent to which one's own actions are responsible for how one ages is kind of scary, but also a powerful piece of knowledge. Also, it's great to know how *late* you can start doing a lot of things to improve your later life.This book is also clear, consise and helpful. It's available in large print too - because just because your eyesight is going doesn't mean it's too late to improve your health by gaining and applying knowledge! If you find that you are aging or know someone who is, read this book!

I am very impressed with the research-based wide-ranging information about how you can enhance your health, your life involvement, your mental skills, and have better years in your life from middle age on. It is not true that genetics determines all and there's nothing you can do about it. The effects of the choices you make about activity, nutrition, social contact, work and other areas are described, with the current data and recommendations. I read a library copy, but I have to own it for reference and re-reading.