A couple of months ago, John Alley recommended the book "Younger Next Year" which claims to tell us how to wind back the body clock and "Live strong, fit and sexy- until you're 80 and beyond."

The content of the book revolves around Dr Harry's 7 rules- which actually boil down to just 4- exercise an hour every day, don't eat crap (their words), connect with others and care. They also mention in passing the importance of faith and spirituality but skip quickly over this topic.

This isn't another wacky dieting/ exercise/ live for ever book. Dr Harry is a top specialist in New York and Chris is a retired lawyer. They cover the science of ageing but in a very easy to read way.

Basically, the key to ageing well is to exercise so that your body is constantly in growth mode rather than famine and decay mode. Aerobic exercise with some strength building exercise slows down most of the ailments that afflict older people. We will live longer than previous generations but we can choose to live well or just slide into a slow decline. Obviously we can't prevent accidents and genetic diseases, but for most of us there is a choice about how we live.

The book is inspiring and engages the reader with its genial tone. Some people might be put off by the evolutionary theory underpinning it all, but look past that and see what they are getting at.

I think everyone over 50  needs to read this book and heed its message. A great read!

 

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