Day 27 - Tyler's Book Club

Well, not really. But I do need to give a quick review of a book that I am a big fan of. It is called "Younger Next Year." There is actually a version for guys, and a version for the gals.

The book is written by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. The original version is aimed at guys that are either at, or approaching retirement.

"Announcing the paperback edition of Younger Next Year, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller, co-written by one of the country’s most prominent internists, Dr. Henry "Harry" Lodge, and his star patient, the 73-year-old Chris Crowley. These are the books that show us how to turn back our biological clocks—how to put off 70% of the normal problems of aging (weakness, sore joints, bad balance) and eliminate 50% of serious illness and injury. The key to the program is found in Harry's Rules: Exercise six days a week. Don't eat crap. Connect and commit to others. There are seven rules all together, based on the latest findings in cell physiology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and experimental psychology. Dr. Lodge explains how and why they work—and Chris Crowley, who is living proof of their effectiveness (skiing better today, for example, than he did twenty years ago), gives the just-as-essential motivation.

Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond.

"I have lost 50 pounds over the last nine months by eating less, moving more, and changing the way I think. I am 62 and look better and feel better and have more energy than in the last 15 years."—Ron T. " 

I read the wisdom put forth by Chris and Harry . . . [and] my next physical blew my doctor away. I am 74 and in better shape than when I was 50."—Jack S. "Not a week goes by that I do not utter a silent prayer of thanks that Younger Next Year came into my life. You guys are saving the world one body at a time."—T. G.

I have personally read this book cover to cover a few times now and seem to pick up a few new insights and pieces of advice every time I read it. In fact, this book was one of the inspirations to begin my own blog (hence the tagline "A Better You, to Grow Younger Every Day!"

Crowley is a 73 year old patient of Lodge's, so by spending time together, these two have become friends and obviously co-authors of the book.

They take turns, alternating chapters throughout the book, giving you life rules that you should live by. As I said, these 'rules' are technically aimed at guys edging towards retirement, but I assure you that these rules can be, and should be applied to all!

Crowley has a very funny, down-to-earth way of writing, giving you advice in more layman's terms, followed up by a chapter written by Lodge who then gives you the scientific background and information behind what Crowley previously discussed.

One of the best aspects of this book, in my opinion, is the fantastic outlook you will see for yourself. One of the major themes of this book is that most people dread the idea of getting older, and that the aches, pains, illnesses, and diseases are "just part of getting old!" In fact, as Crowley and Lodge teach you, it is entirely possible to age gracefully and be active and healthy for the rest of your life...just follow their rules!

Great book, great price, I highly recommend this one!

Quote of the day:

"One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time."
-Harold V. Melchert

Use it or Lose it - Your Guide to Total-Body Health

 For those of you who have not heard of the book, "Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond", I suggest you stop reading this right now, run - don't walk - to your local book store and purchase it right now. Written by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge, "Younger" delves deeper into how and why we age, and how you can not only slow the aging process, but reverse it altogether. I have read this book many times because it is so good, and you may even notice the similarities between the title of the book and my blog. I definitely used this book as inspiration for my blog.

Now I could go on and write an entire blog post about this book alone, but I won't, as you are fully capable of going out and purchasing it yourself. I will warn you, however, the book is really aimed towards men who are around the age of retirement, but the principles and teachings in the book can be applied to everyone. Not only that, but they have a version for women too!

Anyways, while reading through some health news today, I came across this article which discusses some of the same principles that Crowley and Lodge discuss in "Younger". Research is proving at how young and vibrant people can stay right up until the day you die.

I always find it sad when people who make comments or suggestions regarding their age and how their deteriorating health is, "a part of getting older!" Lodge and Crowley, as well as numerous other studies suggest otherwise.

With as little science as possible, think of your bodies as a constant construction yard. You have hormones and processes being completed every day that are tearing down older tissues and rebuilding them and replacing them with new ones. As a kid, this works tremendously as you are constantly growing. The problem with most adults is that they become sedentary and then 'age' sets in.

Within your body - the construction site, remember? - there is a steady 'drip' of hormones that are signalling for your tissues to be broken down. This is called atrophy. I am sorry to say, but this will happen to you whether you like it or not. Atrophy is what leads to aging, illness, and disease. This is what is experienced by most individuals out there in society today, they simply let this wave of 'decay' take over their bodies and they begin to waste away, or in other words, 'age'.

However, you can actually slow this trend or reverse it by exercising. Vigorous exercise sends 'other' signals and hormones to the tissues in your body to grow, not decay. It basically tells your body that they have purpose and are still useful. These 'other' signals are what counteracts the wave of atrophy that so many succumb to.

Now the reason why this article reminded of Crowley and Lodge's book, is due to the findings that are published.

"The study offered convincing evidence that the “typical” loss of muscle that begins in adults around the age of 40 has more to do with lack of use than aging alone."

The article goes on to say that a group of 'masters athletes' (aged 40-81) were studied. They all exercised 4 to 5 times a week, either running, swimming, or cycling. They found that due to being extremely active, the 70 year-old folks had no distinguishable loss of leg muscle mass when compared to the 40 year-olds.

The one side note that should be observed from these types of studies however is that if you are an avid runner, well into your old age, this will not necessarily help your upper body muscles.

"The older runners had a slightly higher number of arm motor units than their sedentary peers, but the difference wasn’t statistically significant. Both were dramatically lower than the younger controls – a finding that wasn’t entirely unexpected."

This is a vital piece of information that we should all take with us as we age. Whether you are 20, 30, 60, or even 80 years old, total-body exercise is important for your well-being. Also, if you love a sport such as running, great! But do not make it your entire life. Exercise should be like your diet, well-rounded with plenty of variety! Also, let me leave you with this one final quote from the article;

"“We control 70 per cent of how we age,” she says. “The other 30 per cent is genetic, and we can blame our mothers for that. But 70 per cent is in our hands.” "

Sources:
Photo: http://craigsenglish.com/blog/blog1.php/use-it-or-lose-it