In each of his widely acclaimed, best-selling books, Dr. Andrew Weil has been an authoritative and companionable guide through a uniquely effective combination of traditional and nontraditional approaches to health and healthy living. Now he gives us a book about aging that is unlike any other. Drawing on the new science of biogerontology (the biology of aging) as well as on the secrets of healthy longevity -- diet, activity and attitude -- Dr. Weil explains that there are a myriad of things we can do to keep our bodies and minds in good working order through all phases of life. Hugely informative, practical, and uplifting, Healthy Aging is infused with the engaging candor and common sense that have made Dr. Weil our most trusted source on healthy living. With detailed information on: -Learning to eat right: Following the anti-inflammatory diet, Dr. Weil's guide to the nutritional components of a healthy lifestyle -Separating myth from fact about the would-be elixirs of life extension -- herbs, hormones, and anti-aging "medicines" -Learning exercise, breathing and stress-management techniques to benefit your mind and body -Understanding the science behind the aging process -Keeping record of your life lessons to share with loved ones
Dr. Weil has raised dispensing health advice to an art form. Instead of making his audience feel inadequate or guilty about bad habits, he seems to subconsciously convince readers to do better merely by presenting health facts in a non-threatening way. Healthy Aging is his most scientifically technical book yet (you'll learn all about enzymes like telomerase and cell division and the chemistry behind phytonutrients like indole-3-carbinol, and the connection between cancer and other degenerative diseases like diabetes) yet by far his most fascinating. His main mission here is to recommend "aging gracefully," which he considers accepting the process instead of fighting it. As the director of the country's leading integrative-medicine clinic (combining the best of traditional and alternative worlds), of course he disses Botox and the slew of $100-a-jar face creams out there. It's also no surprise that he focuses on proper nutrition, moderate exercise, and meditation and rest among his "12-point program for healthy aging." (Triathletes and exercise addicts should take special note of the research linking excessive exercise and ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.) He occasionally references his earlier works, including 8 Weeks to Optimum Health. But the most eye-opening sections are those that discuss the spirituality of aging and its emotional aspects. "Aging can bring frailty and suffering, but it can also bring depth and richness of experience, complexity of being, serenity, wisdom, and its own kind of power and grace," he writes. At 63, Weil is still a bit shy of senior status, but is aging well indeed, with the legacy of his late 93-year-old mother (who's touchingly eulogized by Weil in this book) to guide him.--Erica Jorgensen
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
You're not going to live for ever.:
Let's get this straight, you won't live for ever if you read this book. And you won't live forever, if you don't. But you'll live better if you do. The first part of this book details both the dodgy science of immortality and the good stuff. The second part details ways to live a long, but not permanent, life healthily.
For me, the first part although interesting was a little long. I felt myself getting (or is that just feeling) much, much older as I read it. It goes into some detail about long... more info
Health:
Book in excellent condition, would purchase from the seller again. Very informative book. Good to know information.
Dr. weil does it again!:
One of his best books, I love learning about health and nutrition and Andrew Weil is the doctor I trust most to give me honest, balanced advice on these subjects.
A Must-Have Resource For A Healthy life:
This is a comprehensive guide that should be on everyone's bookshelf. Covering all you need to know about aging, you will find yourself referring to it over and over again.It covers everything from diet to supplements to exercise to thoughts, emotions and attitudes and the role they play in healthy aging.
Joanne Scaglione, Author Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook