Healthy Aging [Audio] http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Healthy-Aging-Audio-Andrew-Weil/9780375434297

A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being

By Andrew Weil

Reviews

In his latest book, Weil (director, Program in Integrative Medicine, Univ. of Arizona; 8 Weeks to Optimum Health) explains the aging process and offers practical guidelines for maintaining good health while growing older. He begins with a discussion of the physiological processes involved before segueing into various antiaging therapies and explaining why they don't work. Using reputable scientific studies as a basis, he provides tools that will help us age well: good nutrition to minimize inflammation, the cause of cardiovascular disease; physical activity; a few well-chosen nutritional supplements; adequate rest and sleep; stress reduction; and a satisfying social and spiritual life. Although this is not groundbreaking information, Weil's inclusion of scientific sources sets his book apart from the glut of antiaging titles, e.g., Michael F. Roizen's The RealAge Makeover: Take Years Off Your Looks and Add Them to Your Life. Highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/05.]-Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

America's best-known complementary care physician offers a convincing portrait of aging as a natural part of life that can be active, productive and satisfying. Using the examples of his mother, who died at age 93; centenarians from Okinawa and Sardinia; and myths and legends, Weil (Eating Well for Optimum Health) explores common Western beliefs and attitudes about aging and urges readers to develop healthier perspectives. The 60-year-old author assesses the growing and lucrative field of anti-aging medicine, takes the position that aging is not reversible, and offers many ways for readers to prevent conditions and illnesses that limit mortality and ensure well-being into the later years. He provides scientifically based information on why and how the body ages and advice on key components of good health at every age: exercise, nutrition, vitamins and herbs, and stress-relieving activities. Much of this advice is available in Weil's previous works as well as on his Web site. The real value is Weil's courageous stand, one likely to meet resistance in a culture devoted to external indicators of eternal youth. Refreshingly, Weil embraces the notion, popular in Eastern cultures, that age brings wisdom, peace and prosperity of a different kind. Agent, Richard Pine. (Oct. 18) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.