This book is mess of unsupported research and unsubstantiated claims. The citations are laughable and the science is surface-level at best. Most of the writing is anecdotal and has a weird tone. Hard pass.

Thanks to ROXY Publishing, via LibraryThing, for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a must-read for anybody approaching 50 and beyond when you sense your body is starting to age. You don't have to accept old age! The authors tell us exactly what is needed to care for our body to prevent "decay and decrepitude" (their words). There are interesting case studies included.

The bottom line is to keep moving because both our body and our brain depend on it. Exercise is extremely important, but so is eating right, socializing, and keeping a positive attitude.

All aspects of exercising are discussed. The two authors take turns narrating the short segments so both a woman's and man's point-of-view are explained. Highly recommended!! ( )

This book on aging is okay but doesn't go beyond the basic information that is available elsewhere. If you haven't read much in this area you will find it useful but if you have this isn't a book you will get much from. ( )

The authors provide a great deal of information about the effects of aging on the body and how to combat the certain decline in muscle mass, bone density, brain health, etc. through vigorous, regular exercise. They discuss the necessity of finding some form of enjoyable exercise that one can stick with and increase in frequency and intensity over time. Cardiovascular exercise is important, but strength training is stressed as being critical as well. Loss of muscle, bone density, balance, flexibility, etc. all increase at a faster rate as people hit middle age, but especially after age 50. The authors do a good job of encouraging readers that it is never too late to begin an exercise program. They also discuss diet and reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and other healthful habits to help one live longer. Though younger than the target audience for this book, it was interesting and enjoyable to read. It should motivate someone who is reluctant to exercise to stop procrastinating and get started on a healthier plan. ( )

Admittedly I’m about half the age of this book’s target audience. I wanted to learn what I should do, and what I need to push my mid-60’s parents to do, to stay healthy as we grow older. The majority of the book focuses on how exercise can stop your body and mind from degrading as you age and can actually reverse some aspects of aging (it’s apparently never too late to start!). The authors referred to their own experiences a lot, which gave the book a nice conversational tone, but they also threw in some brief science explanations to support what they’re saying and show the logic behind it. I liked that they included inspirational stories of people who started exercise routines in their later years with great results.

The first third of the book was a little repetitive, presumably to emphasize the importance of exercise, so annoying but forgivable. The subheadings were left aligned, grayed, and there was no spacing between the subheading and the preceding and following paragraphs. This made the text seem squished and the headings less noticeable. It would have looked better to center align them with bolding or underlining. I wish the book was longer because I prefer nonfiction that delves into great detail, but at the same time I think its shortness is an advantage because makes it less intimidating. People who aren’t into reading health books might be more likely to pick it up and people who want more detail get a jumping off point.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to friends and family of any age who need some motivation to start exercising. If the benefits of exercising aren’t enough incentive, then maybe reading the consequences of not exercising (such as getting a hunched back!) will be.

Please note that I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )