Did the title of this article catch your eye? Did you have a momentary flash of excited optimism? Was that flicker of hope quickly dashed by your own skepticism? I know this title ran me through those thoughts. Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit and Sexy – Until You’re 80 and Beyond is the title of a book authored by Henry S. Lodge, M.D. and Chris Crowley. Lodge is the medical information giver and Crowley, in his seventies, is the embodiment and portrayer of the advice. The authors are distinguished in their pedigree and the book has been a big seller. I would like to give you a glimpse about what their message and method is all about.

The book is most readable even as it weaves some scientific truths through its content to buttress its overall message of stifling “decay” and being “younger.” So what is the essence of the message? Its premise is that “Aging is decay and decay is optional; it’s under your control… Taking charge of your life, physically and emotionally, is the best antidote to standard retirement and aging.”

 Some of the core premises stated are:

• The brain “is the body’s master control center”. Its three components relate to the physical, the emotional and the cognitive. An example of this is that the physical brain part runs your metabolism. Metabolism monitors your physical body and aims to keep it in “supreme harmony.”
• Neuroplasticity is a reality. This means that you can stop decay, which is a “relentless tide” accelerating in the forties and fifties, by changing your brain chemistry – your control center. It is important to learn different ways to do that. This is a dynamic in which I am very involved.
• Emotions change our brain chemistry at the genetic level. “Emotion is physically stronger than thought. … Staying emotionally connected … is a biological imperative”. Therefore engineering our emotions in a creative and positive manner is helpful. There are techniques to do this.

“Life is energy”. There are methods to increase positive energy at the cellular level. “Reach out to good stimuli.” Some listed are:

• Exercise daily; it increases circulation and facilitates many life saving systemic changes.
• Healthy nutrition; what you eat and the amount consumed, not diets, is vital in this process.
• Sufficient sleep.
• Emotionally involved with living; connect and commit to a higher purpose beyond yourself. Care about and be involved with other health conscious people.
• Play! “It is a state of mind as well as a state of body, and it’s pure limbic gold.” (Limbic part of the brain is the emotional center).
• Human touch; “Physical intimacy, with or without orgasm, triggers a wonderful outpouring of good chemicals throughout the body.”
• “Love saves lives.” “Cuddle or perish.” The authors quote esteemed cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish from his book Love or Perish.

These are some of the essentials listed by the authors. There is so much more in this book, with added advice, explanation and research to help you be YOUNGER NEXT YEAR! The book concludes by saying “a life fully lived is also a life fully examined.”

Dr. Stathas can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net.