Book Review: Younger Next Year

I just finished reading Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge. I really like the title of this book, don't you? It is nice to think about feeling younger each year and being strong, fit and sexy until I'm 80 and beyond. Hmmmm

This is an awesome book and I think it should be required reading for anyone over 40. The authors do a great job explaining the aging process and sharing important things that will slow or even reverse this process.

The most important thing we MUST do to slow the aging process is EXERCISE. The authors advise starting with aerobic exercise for 45 minutes a day and doing it six days a week for the rest of your life. Exercise must be considered just as important as a job. I got a good laugh out of one segment in the book where the author said that men like to make excuses for not exercising. The authors are often asked why six days a week? What's wrong with three days? Or two? Or one? Isn't anything better than nothing? (Sounds like something I would ask.)

Mr. Crowley answered, "No, you silly son of a b*tch! It's not better than nothing! Or, in any case, it's so much worse than six days for men over 50 that we don't even want you to think about it. It will sap your strength and drain your willpower. It will put you on the bench. It's six days because it HAS to be. Don't argue. Did it ever occur to you to tell your boss you'd prefer working two days a week? PLEASE!"

The authors advise people to plan a "jumpstart" activitity or vacation to get motivated to exercise. This would be something like a ski trip, hiking trip, fun run or anything that is enjoyable but emphasizes the need to be physically fit. I went on a hiking trip last week that really opened my eyes to the fact that I need to be in better shape. I am now exercising harder so that my next hiking trip will be a more pleasant.

The authors suggest that each person keep a daily log (or blog?) detailing three things: 1) What I ate, 2) What I did for exercise (or didn't), and 3) what I did with my life...sexually, socially, morally...write about your passions. This log should keep a record of how you "care, connect and commit" in your life. "A daily log is a practical tool and a magical device that stands between you and the relentless thought, 'You know what? I just don't care'."

The authors share some very helpful advise about post-retirement living. Many people dream about the day when they can retire and just sit around doing nothing. Well, it doesn't work that way in real life. This book offers advise that will help you understand why you MUST have activities that you are passionate about to occupy your time.

I grabbed this book when it was offered as a free download for my Kindle. This book is truly life-changing. It is worth every penny that you do (or don't) pay for it.
The authors have written a version of this book for women, Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond....This book is on my "must read" list!