Successful Aging

Course overview

Aging is a challenge that all of us face, whether we're 30 or 70 years old. Successful Aging is a book and course that provides advice about following a healthy lifestyle as we age?and shows how to age successfully and well. Some people seem to age more happily and healthily than others. This course provides a collection of the ?secrets? of people who age successfully?including the healthy living habits that can help prevent ill health, promote emotional and spiritual well-being and make life more fun. The course will help clinicians provide common sense advice as well as health care to their patients, especially patients facing the challenges of aging. The book draws on the latest scientific research on preventive health as well as the clinical experience of its author, Mary O?Brien, MD, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and geriatrics. She is also a board-certified Physician Nutrition Specialist and a nationally known lecturer. The Successful Aging course shatters many of the myths about aging, such as the stereotype that growing older means chronic illness and disability. Even in advanced old age, most seniors have little functional disability, and only 5% live in nursing homes, the author notes. The book describes how to cultivate a youthful attitude and make healthy lifestyle choices, such as improving nutrition, establishing a regular exercise routine, protecting one?s skin against premature aging, and getting the right diagnostic tests as we age. The course also discusses how to safeguard oneself against serious stress. The stresses that take the biggest toll on the human body and mind are not stressful situations that are isolated and well-defined, but rather prolonged unresolved stress, the author says. The book provides ways to prevent many of life?s stresses and deal with stress constructively. The course includes tips on relaxation, relieving insomnia in the aging, and developing friendship, support and playfulness in one?s later years. Memory and cognitive loss is one of the most feared aspects of aging. People who age successfully prevent memory and cognitive loss by learning and challenging themselves throughout their lives. The course provides tips on how to keep your mind healthy and active, including the benefits of reading and music, physical exercise, and vitamins and antioxidants. Unlike other health books, Successful Aging also emphasizes the importance of financial security. Though money can?t guarantee great health, it can make growing old easier and less problematic. The course presents the best ways to think about money creatively, the benefits of savings and investments, and tips on minimizing bills and debt. The course also delves into the importance of cultivating one?s spirit?or the sacred part within?at any age. Drawing on scientific evidence and clinical experience, the author describes the benefits of seeking serenity, prayer, solitude, reflection and forgiveness. Finally this course describes how to get more enjoyment out of life?how to fabricate fun, create laughter and add adventure to your life.