Successful Aging

by John W. Rowe, Robert L. Kahn

Here at last is a compelling and inspiring presentation of what determines how well we age--the results of the MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America, which show how to maintain optimum physical and mental strength throughout later life.

Research into aging has been revolutionized in the past ten years largely due to the MacArthur Study, which under the leadership of Drs. John W. Rowe and Robert L. Kahn created a network of leading research scientists from key fields to determine what aging actually involves. Rejecting the established approach of studying aging in terms of anticipated decline, these scientists set out to identify the factors that were enabling vast numbers of people to preserve and even enhance their mental and physical vitality in later life.

Successful Aging brings together the remarkable results of the study for the first time. They explode the myths about aging that have long shaped individual and institutional attitudes toward growing older, including the biggest myth of "The key to aging well is choosing your parents wisely." In fact, they discovered that lifestyle choices--more than genes--determine how well we age. Drs. Rowe and Kahn outline those vital choices, including changes in diet, types of exercise, mental stimulation, self-efficacy, and dynamic connections. These choices can make a difference no matter how late in life they are made. In addition, Drs. Rowe and Kahn include the latest research-based strategies to delay or prevent the common diseases of old age.

Society can also influence how we age. Drs. Rowe and Kahn detail innovative programs and policies that are enabling older men and women to stay healthy and to continue to contribute to their societies.

For all of us, the rewards of successful aging are great; this eye-opening work shows how they can be attained and enjoyed.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Health

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

John Wallis Rowe

Reviews

[Cesar Gutierrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a bit of a tiresome read do to it's repetitive structure and less-then-compelling voice (want to read it yet?), this is worth tackling for it's timely, insightful assessment of the best information currently available on how to age well and live a long, healthy life. The section debunking common myths and misconception is particularly useful and the stories of folks who have aged "successfully" are touching and inspiring. If you have older parents, or are an older parent, or are thinking of getting some - this just might be the book for you. Or them.

[隻眼簽到 · Rating 4 out of 5]

活力久久。約翰‧羅伊，羅伯‧康恩，鄭惟和著。張嘉倩譯。
本書觀點來自麥克阿瑟基金會的老化研究。核心概念是「成功老化」(這個詞還挺怪)。定義為，維持下列三項基本能力：一、避免疾病；二、保持良好的心智與體能狀況；三、積極的生活。
首先，打破老化迷思，是邁向成功老化的第一步。例如，不要迷信人老就一定會生病；不要迷信老狗學不會新把戲；不要迷信人老了，說什麼都太遲了；不要迷信遺傳等。另外，不要以「正常老化」來麻痺自己，老人對健康及體能指標還是要保持積極態度的。這些觀點我都很認同。但其實這些定義都只是「精神」性或「指向」性，真要落到實處，每個人至少都會有程度上的不同。如什麼叫積極的生活，每個人都是不同的。
其次，個人也有一些小心得。就是不要「放縱」飲食(避免過度刺激腸胃)；偶爾餓肚子或許更健康；每天至少做一些伸展運動；舉止行動要適度放慢；勤於用腦等。

[David Littlewood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Handy compilation of information about aging. I was already familiar with much of what they were advocating, but it is useful to have it all in one place. It did upset one of my main assumptions that genes play a major role in successful aging. According to their studies, things that an individual can control such as healthy physical and social habits are more important than genes.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some very good information. Would love to see an updated version since this was written quite a few years ago and I am sure there is quite a bit of updates that could be included.