No Exercise "Fence Sitting" Allowed
The difference with this book is that the authors recommend exercise with evangelical fervor AND give hold-your-hand, even comedic, instructions and wisdom. But their homespun approach does not hide the fact that they are dead serious.

The book does refer to some studies, but basically the authors humorously and seriously deal with the physical "decay" of aging. And, yes, they discuss sex. No research studies are footnoted. I just assume they think the reader would not be interested; besides, who can tell if the research was correctly done? Nevertheless, why don't the authors just say, "Science aside, these are our best opinions based on our philosophies and experiences of life--as it should be"? (Or something like that.)

You can't tell from the book's title that the latter chapters deal with the emotional-social side of aging, which they straight-forwardly face. To me this is the best section of the book.

Even though one author is a doctor he makes dietary recommendations that not all health advocates would agree with--even the respected contrarian (to some) viewpoints of, let's say, The Weston A. Price Foundation. (Check it out; it's a dot com, too.)

The authors don't seem to realize that some older (50-plus) persons can do few of the exercises they push. Some of their recommended exercises can be more easily followed if, for example, their readers get biannual knee injections of synovial fluid (paid for by Medicare for those 65-plus) or take a glucosamine-chondroitin combo tablet (which can take up to six months to be effective or not at all) to lessen the pain of arthritis. Exercise, alone, does not always lessen the pain from this condition. Nevertheless, "...this book has one core message--either you grow [in strength, i.e., exercise] or you decay" (p. 216). And I can add (p. 112): "We are not tired at the end of the day because we get too much exercise. We are tired because we do not get enough."

To some extent, I do not appreciate the rah!-rah! approach of the authors. Maybe that style, in part, is to compensate for the fact that they lauded the book as being based on solid scientific research, but present no data.

According to the authors, exercising together can also strengthen the tie that binds you to your partner, will turn your relationship around, and rah! rah! on they go. To use an altered hackneyed phrase: "Those who exercise together, stay together." But keeping in good physical shape doesn't depend on a marriage or some other tie, whether it binds or not. Relationships that no longer work (even after counseling) are detrimental to the partners' overall health. No science from me here, either; just common sense--sort of like parts of their book.

To sum the book up too simply:

1. To keep, regain or get good health, you should exercise (fast walk, for example) for 45-minutes six times a week for the rest of your life.
2. To be happy you should be socially-emotionally connected; preferably intimately.

That sounds too humdrum. The book is more interesting and certainly worth a read.

A FINAL NOTE: I HOPE YOUR BOOK HOLDS TOGETHER BETTER THAN MINE. EVEN WITH GENTLE HANDLING THE PAGES STARTED FALLING OUT--APPARENTLY A GLUE-SPINE PROBLEM.

An entertaining read and good for you, too.
A very well-written agenda on diet, exercise, and outlook for those of us no longer in our youthful 40s. It's enjoyable because it is not a diet book or an exercise book. It is a personal philosophy interestingly told by an ardent advocate and backed up with enough science to validate his prescriptions for living a healthy and robust life into your 80s. Told from a male perspective, but applicable to female readers. I believe there's a female version out, but I haven't read it.

Life changing book...if you can follow it's advise
I've ussally don't like this kind of health nut book., but something about the couple of except pages sounds interesting. but this is one of the best I've ever read. (not really saying much there)
This is interesting , it talks about how and why people age. and how exercise at certain level will work. I took the advise and joined a gym. exercise 5 times a week. If nothing else, I'd surprise myself with what I'm capable now vs 6 weeks ago.
I'd like it so much , I bought 5 books and gave it to family and friends and the "for women" version for my wife.
This book is for everybody that is serious about a change. and for people that were at one time or another in their life an active person.
If you were never an active person. it might just completely go over your head.
The target audience is for retirees, I'm 43 and find out if I start to do all those things now, I'll be way ahead of the curve!

Interesting if you can stomach the evolutionary BS
It has been long known that exercising is good for you. This book drills that message home. I found it somewhat entertaining but also found the constant references to evolution to be very disappointing and I consider that portion total and utter BS. Still worth $5 though.

Compelling reasons to get fit.
Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and SexyUntil You're 80 and Beyond

It seems with the advancements of medical science, the majority of us will be living well into our 80s or even 90s. What caught my attention immediately in this book is that if we want those years to be fun, to be WORTH living, there are things we need to do.

This marvelous book looks at the aging of the human body from a biological, cellular point of view. Now you might think that would make it a dry read, but it's clearly written in layman's terms with a large dose of humor, which pulls the reader right into the basics of why we age, and what we can do about it. These two brilliant men have collaborated on a book that is capable of changing one's life. After 11 years off the fitness trail, largely due to arthritis, I'm back on track again. I'd love to buy a hundred of these books and give one to everyone I care about.