Collection Development "Healthy Aging": The "Antiaging" Remedy

We've watched it coming: the first wave of the 81 million babies born between 1946 and 1964 have now reached midlife (ages 45 to 64, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau). This boomer generation can expect to live into their 70s, 80s, and beyond, thanks to better medical care and an interest in personal health and well-being. Having seen their grandparents and parents experience the ravages of old age, these savvy soon-to-be seniors are determined to make their remaining years active, healthy, and fulfilling.

To help boomers accomplish these goals, collections should emphasize midlife wellness and preventative medicine. When deciding which materials to include, remember that many books on senior health are written primarily for the 65-plus age group and focus on the symptoms and treatments of chronic late-life diseases.

More appropriate choices for midlife patrons are general titles that explain normal age-related physical changes and underscore essential measures to promote healthy aging—diet, weight control, exercise, and stress management. Add resources that address the specific physical and emotional concerns of the middle-aged: preventing memory loss, looking and feeling young, revitalizing sexuality, and finding opportunities for personal growth.

Librarians also need to consider whether they should include antiaging materials. Also called "life extension," this "longevity" approach aims to increase the human life span and avoid illnesses and disabilities prevalent in later life by restoring body systems ravaged by environmental, dietary, stress, and other factors. Antiaging regimens include orthodox preventive measures like proper nutrition and exercise, as well as such nonstandard treatments as hormone therapies (DHEA, human growth hormone, testosterone), megavitamin and herbal supplements, fasting, detoxification, and chelation.

Scientists are doing serious research in this field, but there are a number of authors—the most popular is Gary Null—who promote diet and supplementary programs whose safety and medical benefits have not yet been scientifically proven. The conventional medical establishment may consider these writers and their programs bogus, but they are popular among consumers, and librarians must decide whether to meet demand for these books.

As with all health and wellness materials, look for up-to-date information that is clearly presented and prepared by authors with credentials. Although major health publishers offer solid titles in this field, Rebus Inc. is especially noteworthy as it works with noted medical institutions such as Johns Hopkins to issue valuable consumer health books, newsletters, and special reports on specific age-related disorders.

The following bibliography features a wide array of books, periodicals and newsletters, videos, and web sites dealing with midlife health issues. These are excellent resources, but the lack of bibliographies in some (publishers, take note!) is disappointing; also surprising is the lack of information for gay, lesbian, and transgendered individuals, a situation that this writer hopes will be remedied in updated editions.

Owing to space considerations, titles on arthritis and menopause have been excluded as these topics have been covered in more detail in previous collection development articles ("Rx for Aching Joints: Arthritis Collections " by Gail Hendler, LJ 1/02, p. 59, and "Managing Menopause" by Homa Asayesh, LJ 1/01, p. 63).

Starred [*] items are core purchases for consumer health and most public library collections.

Axt, Peter & Michaela Axt-Gadermann, M.D. The Joy of Laziness: Why Life Is Better Slower—and How To Get There. Hunter House. 2003. 160p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89793-401-6. pap. $14.95.

First published in Germany, this title takes a laid-back approach to midlife wellness based on the metobolic theory that organisms have a limited supply of lifetime energy, which can be depleted by poor eating, lack of rest, overexertion, and stress. The authors (Peter is a Ph.D. specializing in medical research; daughter Michaela is a medical doctor and journalist) structure their program around moderate diet and exercise regimens, underscoring the importance of rest, stress relief, and relaxation. Their sensible approach (although not thoroughly documented) will appeal to readers discouraged by more rigorous plans. A limited bibliography consists primarily of scientific references, many in German.

*Johns Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After 50: The Latest Recommendations from Hopkins Specialists. Rebus. 2002. 704p. ed. by Simeon Margolis, M.D. illus. index. ISBN 0-929661-73-7. $39.95.

This comprehensive A–Z compendium (with color-coded page edges for easy reference) covers the symptoms, causes, complications, diagnosis, prevention, and latest available treatments for over 100 major medical disorders common in people over 50. Additional features are an overview of health habits promoting long life (diet, exercise, etc.), excellent color illustrations, charts, easy-to-read type, and sturdy pages and binding.

Lipschitz, David A., M.D. Breaking the Rules of Aging. Lifeline. 2002. 260p. index. ISBN 0-89526-121-9. $25.95.

Host of a PBS series on aging, Lipschitz (geriatrics, Univ. of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences) debunks five popular misconceptions about aging and offers a commonsense plan emphasizing vigorous exercise, a healthy diet that eschews weight loss, reducing medications, and an attitude that refuses to accept that aging spells disability. He also turns a critical eye on supplement-based alternative and antiaging therapies. No bibliography or references.

*Looking After Your Body: An Owner's Guide to Successful Aging. Reader's Digest. 2001. 416p. ed. by Marianne Wait. illus. index. ISBN 0-7621-0302-7. $30.

This lavish guide covers the basics of good health: diet, weight control, fitness, essential medical tests, "health traps" (smoking, alcohol use), medication management, stress reduction and emotional health, sexuality, memory, sleep, and personal appearance. Part 2 is an alphabetical encyclopedia of common late-life diseases, with details on diagnosis, treatments (including herbs and supplements), prevention plans, and lifestyle modifications. Clear, interesting explanations of complex concepts are fortified with numerous illustrations, charts, lists, and current medical research findings. The only minus is the lack of a bibliography.

*Peck, Brian, M.D. The Baby Boomer Body Book: The Complete Health Reference for Our Generation. Sourcebooks. 2001. 447p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57071-715-X. pap. $21.94.

Baby boomer physician (and director of the Arthritis Center of Connecticut) Peck draws on case histories from his practice to discuss age-related physical changes, memory problems, depression, dietary supplements, medical tests, and weight loss. Separate sections on men's and women's health issues cover sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis in men—an often unrecognized condition. Peck also addresses recreational drug use and midlife self-image. His breezy, approachable style will appeal to midlifers (especially men) not attracted by conventional resources.

*Schneider, Edward L., M.D. & Elizabeth Miles. AgeLess: Take Control of Your Age and Stay Youthful for Life. Rodale. 2003. 310p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57954-621-8. $24.95.

The dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, packs into this volume a healthy dose of straightforward tips on the areas essential to controlling the aging process: diet, exercise, sleep, weight control, stress, and sex. His moderate approach promotes the benefits of life-extending foods, sensible exercise, and lifestyle changes rather than exotic supplements and more extreme measures promoted by other antiaging writers.

Atkins, Robert C., M.D. with Sheila Buff. Dr. Atkins' Age-Defying Diet: A Powerful New Dietary Defense Against Aging. Griffin: St. Martin's. 2003. 373p. index. ISBN 0-312-31607-0. pap. $13.95.

The late cardiologist and diet guru advocates a regimen of antioxidants, enzymes, hormones, and micronutrients combined with a diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, aerobics, and strength training to prevent age-related degenerative diseases, rejuvenate the body, and boost brain power. His recommendations for detoxification (chelation, probiotics, "liver flushing") and the expense of supplements may be off-putting to some readers, but this should be popular with Atkins followers.

Austin, Denise. Fit and Fabulous After 40: A 5-Part Program for Turning Back the Clock. Broadway. 2002. 307p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7679-0472-9. pap. $14.

Fitness maven Austin, whose credentials include TV shows, 30+ videos, and numerous books, offers a "28-day challenge" diet and exercise program for midlife women, accompanied by a good dose of commonsense health and beauty hints. Her easy-to-follow 30-minute workouts, accompanied by progress logs and photos of Austin demonstrating the yoga and Pilates-inspired exercises, will inspire even the most sedentary.

*Bonifonte, Philip. T'ai Chi for Seniors: How To Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace. New Page: Career. Jan. 2004. 216p. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 1-56414-697-9. pap. $16.99.

The ancient Chinese exercises focus on easy, gentle movements that increase aerobic capacity, decrease blood pressure and stress, and improve balance and joint function. Along with a short history of various tai chi styles and philosophies, the text features breathing techniques, warm-up exercises, movement forms, and meditation exercises with modifications for those with limited mobility.

Evans, William J. & Gerald Secor Couzens. AstroFit: The Astronaut Program for Anti-Aging. Free Pr: S. & S. 2002. 307p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7432-1681-4. $24; pap. 2003. ISBN 0-7432-1682-2. $14.

Getting old does not necessarily mean getting weak and feeble, argues Evans, a NASA nutrition and fitness advisor and an expert in preventing premature aging (muscle atrophy, decreased aerobic capacity, porous bones) in astronauts caused by space travel. Similar techniques can be applied to the earthbound through Evans's graduated fitness program of weight and balance training fueled by a diet rich in complex carbohydrates. His interesting, sensible approach is supplemented with exercise charts, fitness calculators, meal schedules, and scientific references.

*Fitness Over Fifty: An Exercise Guide from the National Institute on Aging. Hatherleigh. 2003. 136p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-57826-136-8. pap. $15.95.

A panel of experts in exercise for older adults explain the benefits of physical activity and present basic fitness routines (with illustrated step-by-step instructions) to improve endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. There are also useful tips for finding a fitness professional, incorporating exercise into daily routines, computing target heart rates, and creating exercise plans and progress charts. Excellent for beginners.

McCormack, Betsey Nagelsen with Mike Yorkey. Fit Over 40 for Dummies®. IDG. 2001. 330p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7645-5305-4. pap. $19.99.

Former tennis pro McCormack's peppy and fun guide is packed with helpful advice on burning calories, evaluating one's personal fitness, choosing fitness equipment, gyms, and apparel, and incorporating basic, relatively easy-to-follow workout routines. Suggested fitness efforts include weight training, aerobic activities, and walking and running, but new exercisers might be put off by the more extreme ideas: snowboarding and rock climbing.

*Reichmann, Rosie. Ageless Yoga: Yoga Exercises for Improving Your Life at Any Age! Astrolog. 2001. 192p. photogs. ISBN 965-494-124-4. pap. $18.95.

Octogenarian Reichmann began practicing yoga to relieve back pain and has taught yoga in Israel for 25 years. Her program of gentle stretching and breathing techniques can be used to create specific workouts to relieve tension, increase flexibility, and reduce age-related functional losses in various parts of the body. Her readable text is illustrated with photos of the author demonstrating the poses, with modifications for those who must use a chair or mattress.

*Goldman, Robert, M.D. & others. Brain Fitness: Anti-Aging Strategies for Achieving Super Mind Power. Main Street: Doubleday. 1999. 368p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-385-48869-6. pap. $14.95.

This is an informative, entertaining exploration of techniques—mental workouts, memory training, physical exercises, and nutrition and dietary supplements—that readers can use to maximize their concentration, memory, imagination, energy, intelligence, and creativity while decreasing fatigue and stress and preventing Alzheimer's disease and other brain diseases. Goldman is the president of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Small, Gary, M.D. The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young. Hyperion. 2002. 320p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7868-6826-0. $25.95; pap. 2003. ISBN 0-7868-8711-7. $16.95.

The director of UCLA's Memory Clinic and Center on Aging offers an array of self-tests, puzzles, and quizzes to enhance memory performance along with brain-saving lifestyle changes (avoiding head injuries, low-fat diet, exercise). His recommendations are helpful and fun; unfortunately, some of the memory exercises are too cumbersome to be useful. (LJ 7/02)

*Victoroff, Jeff, M.D. Saving Your Brain: The Revolutionary Plan To Boost Brain Power, Improve Your Memory, and Protect Yourself Against Aging and Alzheimer's. Bantam. 2002. 450p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-553-10944-8. $22.95; pap. 2003. ISBN 0-553-37980-1. $14.95.

Contradicting popular scientific opinion, the author argues memory loss may be a natural part of the aging process. Using his own clinical experiences and reviews of 14,000 research studies, the director of the neurobehavioral program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center explores the many ways the human brain can be damaged and offers tips for improving brain function and preventing memory loss, from avoiding exposure to chemicals to not watching television. (LJ 7/02)

Altman, Alan M., M.D. & Laurie Ashner. Making Love the Way We Used To… or Better: Secrets to Satisfying Midlife Sexuality. Contemporary: McGraw-Hill. 2002. 312p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8092-2498-5. pap. $14.95.

Gynecologist and midlife sexuality expert Altman and therapist Ashner explain that midlife sexual problems are common in couples in long-term relationships, caused largely by physical rather than emotional difficulties. Presenting a five-step assessment plan to identify and correct problem areas, the authors address normal sexual response and age-related changes, herbal and drug therapies, extramarital affairs, body image, performance anxiety, and the changes caused by Viagra. Case studies and a friendly tone offer an accessible approach to an uncomfortable subject (LJ 2/1/01)

*Block, Joel D. & Susan Crain Bakos. Sex Over 50. Prentice-Hall. 1998. 302p. illus. index. ISBN 0-13-080968-3. $34; pap. 1999. ISBN 0-7352-0058-0. $15.

Highlighting the "potent sexual benefits" that come with midlife, this light-hearted but informative guide by a psychotherapist and journalist presents exercises to reenergize a routine sex life, suggests how to create moods and fantasies, describes alternative forms of lovemaking (bondage, etc.), and covers the more mundane aspects of midlife sexuality (health issues, impotence, hormonal changes).

*Williamson, Marvel L. Great Sex After 40: Strategies for Lifelong Fulfillment. Wiley. 2000. 246p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-471-35153-9. pap. $15.95.

Sex educator Williamson gives excellent detailed information on the sexual changes brought about by aging and common mid- and late-life health conditions—hysterectomy, prostate problems, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. She also addresses how to achieve sexual fulfillment with case studies that will help heterosexual couples understand their own sexuality. (LJ 7/00)

*Cohen, Gene D., M.D. The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life. Avon. 2000. 384p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-380-97684-6. $25; pap. Quill. 2001. ISBN 0-380-80071-3. $15.

This fascinating and inspiring exploration of late-life creativity by gerontologist Cohen discusses its biological, social, historical, and psychological aspects. Numerous anecdotes about older famous and not-so-famous people, tips for incorporating creative activities into daily life, and suggestions for writing an autobiography enhance the book's practical value. (LJ 4/1/00)

Ram Dass. Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying. Riverhead: Putnam. 2001. 224p. ISBN 1-57322-871-0. pap. $13.13.

Now almost 70, the psychologist turned spiritual guide (Be Here Now) suffered a serious stroke while writing this book, an event that changed his attitude toward aging. As he comes to accept his disabilities and the shifting roles and altered physical processes that come with age, the author also learns to grieve and acknowledge death. In the process his understanding of growing old evolves from that of a terrible experience to one that's "not so bad after all." (LJ 5/15/00)

Sadler, William A. The Third Age: 6 Principles of Growth and Renewal After Forty. Perseus. 2001. 235p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7382-0434-X. pap. $17.50.

Although later life is often viewed as a time of decline and degeneration, sociology professor Sadler challenges readers to free themselves from old assumptions and construct a new identity and way of living in the third age of life. Relying on his own 12-year study of individuals aged 45 to 80, he includes numerous stories from participants along with commentary on these accounts. A thought-provoking addition to aging collections.

*Trafford, Abigail. My Time: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life. Basic: Perseus. Jan. 2004. 288p. ISBN 0-465-08673-X. $25.

This inspiring guide by the Washington Post columnist and author of Crazy Time addresses the challenges and opportunities for personal growth that begins when adulthood tasks—career, marriage, and child rearing—end. Basing her book on her own experiences and those of other midlifers, Trafford suggests being open to the possibilities offered by this stage of life—what she calls "My Time"—and making thoughtful choices in order to find meaning and purpose for the remainder of one's life.

*Vaillant, George E., M.D. Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development. Little, Brown. 2002. 373p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-316-98936-3. $24.95; pap. 2003. ISBN 0-316-09007-7. $14.95.

"To understand successful aging, we need to ask very old people about the road they travel," writes the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. This 50-year study of 800 individuals concluded that lifestyle rather than genetics, economics, or race determine how well a person ages. While including a substantial amount of scientific data, Vaillant puts a face on statistics with life stories and quotes from study participants. This project (supported by the MacArthur Foundation) presents conclusions similar to two other MacArthur-funded studies as reported in Robert Kahn and John Wallis Rowe's Successful Aging and How Healthy Are We? A National Study of Well-Being at Midlife. (LJ 11/15/01)

*AARP: The Magazine. bi-m. free with $12.50 annual AARP membership. AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049; 800-424-3410; www.aarpmagazine.org. ISSN 1541-9894.

Modern Maturity, AARP's flagship magazine, and My Generation, the periodical aimed at baby boomers, have now been merged into one publication. Features on travel, celebrities, food, health, and other topics of interest to midlifers are presented in an upbeat, attractive format.

*The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter: Health After 50®. m. $28. Subscription Department, PO Box 420179, Palm Coast, FL 32142; 386-447-6313; www.hopkinsafter50.com. ISSN 1042-1882.

Edited by a Johns Hopkins University medical professor, this brief newsletter features two or three articles on such topics as arthritic knees, strokes, and annual pap tests for midlife women, along with a regular "House Calls" column that answers readers' health-related questions.

Beating Time. 2 vols. 100 min. Discovery Channel, dist. by Films for the Humanities & Sciences (www.films.com). 1997. ISBN 0-7365-5193-X. VHS $229.95; DVD $279.97.

This two-part series reviews the aging process and how lifestyles can be modified to improve health and longevity. The first part, "Beating Time," shadows two middle-aged individuals as they consult life-extension physicians and specialists in nutrition, fitness, and mental health to devise programs to reduce their personal health risks and maximize their chances for a long life. The second program, "Treating Time," explores guided imagery, laughter therapy, water shiatsu, and other "out-there" ways to increase longevity.

*Young as You Look: Medical & Natural Options to Improve Your Appearance. color. 52 min. Prairie Dog Prods., 11523 100th Ave., Suite 207, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T5K 0J8; 403-488-6809. 1998. $19.95.

Based on the book by dermatologist John Groot and medical management consultant Patricia Johnston (Lone Pine Pub., 1998), this video explains age-related changes to physical appearance and outlines natural ways to minimize wrinkles, pigment changes, skin cancer, and other conditions. The overviews of available medical techniques (laser surgery, facelifts, hair removal and replacement, cosmetic dentistry, liposuction, collagen implants, and breast reduction) are excellent but may be dated, and the footage of actual procedures is quite graphic. The book does include more details on cost estimates and complications. (LJ 9/1/98)

* AARP
www.aarp.com
This great site (also in Spanish) covers a host of topics: legislative issues, health and wellness, finances, consumer issues, housing, caregiving, grandparenting, driver safety, and public policy research. Free email newsletters provide news, discount information, and more.

Alliance for Aging Research
www.agingresearch.org
Devoted to improving older people's health and independence through behavioral and medical research, the organization covers health topics, research, advocacy, policy, and legislative issues, with good links to other age-related sites.

American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
www.worldhealth.net
Covering recent developments in antiaging medicine with information on diseases, health resources, and organizational position statements, the site also offers an online desk reference, bookstore, and a free newsletter.

Infoaging.org
www.infoaging.org
Launched in 2000 by the American Federation for Aging Research with a grant from Pfizer, this well-organized site provides the latest research on the biology of aging, age-related health conditions, and healthy aging.

International Longevity Center-USA
www.ilcusa.org
Affiliated with New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, this policy and education organization provides data on population aging, longevity, and the contributions of older adults to society. Site includes publications, links, organizational news, and projects.

The Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator
www.livingto100.com
Taken from Thomas Perls's book Living to 100 (Basic, 1999), this brief questionnaire will help individuals determine their own longevity with a multiple-choice quiz. Healthy living tips and explanations of the significance of answers included.