A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health

by Andrea Jo Rodgers

Embark on a journey to healthy aging!
Would you like to improve your vascular health by lowering your blood pressure, avoiding weight gain, and increasing your aerobic activity level? How about saying goodbye to urinary incontinence and overactive bladder while improving your bowel health? Have you thought about building a healthy framework of muscles, joints, and bones as you sail into middle-age and beyond? Could you benefit from a home exercise program to build bone density and manage osteopenia and osteoporosis? Would you like to keep your youthful appearance, understand your immune system, and learn strategies to improve balance and prevent falls? In A Practical Guide to Healthy Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health, veteran Doctor of Physical Therapy Andrea Rodgers, who is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and emergency medical technician expounds upon all these topics and more. Join Andrea as she shares valuable information in this one-of-a-kind book that will aid in your quest towards healthy aging.

277 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2024

About the author

www.facebook.com/AndreaJoRodgers

Reviews

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need this book. No matter your age, you can find helpful tips to live as healthy a life as possible. The text’s twenty-seven chapters are divided into five sections, covering various parts of the body and their functions, with tips and exercises for optimal health. I found this an invaluable resource. I like the clear descriptions and color photos of the exercises, some with which I was familiar. I also appreciate the knowledgeable author’s positive approach at encouraging readers to be proactive in maintaining physical health at any and every stage. She offers adaptions for those who need them too. As an aging person with pain and limitations, this book helped me realize anew the need and to determine to do better at working on healthy aging. The writing is easy to understand and very practical. I would recommend a copy for every home as a health resource. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for people who desire to go into their older years more than just disease free. Wellness really means good mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Rodgers provides essential information in all those areas.

I like how she explains our body functions, such as what blood pressure is, how our bowels work, and much more. She is very informative on conditions, explaining what strokes are for example, what causes them and what we can do to prevent them. She offers great suggestions to help us as we age. She gives exercises to build bones and to increase balance, illustrated with photos. A surprise was the wellness benefits from prayer, volunteering, and exercising spiritual practices.

As a septuagenarian, I really appreciate the knowledge I have gained from this book. I look forward to future years of increasing wellness. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Critical.Reader21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly comprehensive and informative. I particularly enjoyed the sections on preventing skin cancer and stretching muscles safely, which were both practical and easy to understand. It's a must-read for anyone looking to take proactive steps toward healthy aging.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aging: if you're alive, you're doing it. And I've been doing it for a while! That's why I was happy to review "A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging" by Andrea Jo Rodgers. She is well-qualified to write such a book, since she is a physical therapist with certifications in pelvic health. She's also a lymphedema therapist, an oncology rehab therapist, and a fitness instructor -- and these aren't even all of her qualifications. I found this book to be packed full of information. It's great as a reference, since the chapters are organized around specific topics. She also includes many, many exercises for various issues and illustrates these with photos. Some of the tips she shared were totally new to me. For instance, she mentioned that many people who drive a lot get skin cancer on their left arm/face due to car windshields having UV protection, but car side windows not having this. She mentions a "Timed Up and Go" test, wherein you test the time it takes for you to stand from a chair with armrests, walk 10 feet, turn around, walk back tot he chair, and sit down. If this takes more than 14 seconds, you're at an increased risk of falling. Many helpful things in this book, recommended for anyone aging.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers" is a well packed book that provides important information about mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. She gives examples on what to do and what not to do, she explains exercises and has pictures within the book. She even has a chapter on how prayer and volunteering and spiritual practices have benefits to keep us healthy.
Yes, some of the info seems like schoolbook text but I would say it is grade school or early middle school, so it is easy to follow along, I have learned plenty of things from this book and this is one book ( yes, I know I say this a lot but for this book it is really true) that I will be rereading or at least looking up information from time to time. The reason I can say it for this book is my husband deals with several of the issues she addresses in this book such as Blood Pressures and Heart Issues and Diabetes and many more.

I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non Fiction books are a genre that I really appreciate. The knowledge gained from books in this genre are so important. A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers is the latest book in the genre that I read.

WOW, this book is very timely for me as I am now in my young 50's. I can honestly say that I jumped right into the book and the information was very practical and informative. My Aunt recently told me "When they say it Runs in the Family" you say "This is where it runs out". My family has a lot of genetic health issues, a lot of which Andrea Jo speaks about in this book. Blood Pressure Issues, Heart Issues and many more. I really LOVE how the author addresses the practical help for these and many other issues that comes with "Aging". I feel that this book goes along with the advice from my aunt, that with work and determination and the advice in this book, many things can be reversed or prevented. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about their Physical and Mental Health. GREAT BOOK!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we age our bodies don’t necessarily work the way they did when we were younger. As a physical therapist, Andrea Jo Rodgers has learned many things that can help improve our aging.
In A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging she provides vignettes that show different scenarios of people with the problems she is addressing in each chapter. While some of the information is clinical and sounds like a textbook it is good information. Rodgers also includes suggestions for improving (or avoiding) the particular condition she is discussing.
I think my favorite part of the book, and the part that I will return to, are the illustrated exercises she suggests. I have an e-copy of the book but will most likely be purchasing a physical copy so that I can more easily find the illustrated exercises I need to re-visit.
I highly recommend A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging to anyone who wants to improve their aging process.
I received a complimentary copy of A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging. This is my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers to be a helpful guide for me. All throughout the book were step by step exercises with photographs provided. They were easy to follow and not hard to do. It, also, gives advice and tips on improving immunity, preventing illnesses, and how to keep the brain active. It is no doubt a keeper for me that I follow over and over for years to come.



Five stars is what A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who are searching for great ways in their aging journey.




I received a paperback copy of Andrea Jo Rodgers' A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers is nonfiction. Having read earlier books by Andrea Jo Rodgers that explored her rescue squad activities, I looked forward to reading this book. With a straightforward style and a wealth of knowledge and information, this book lived up to my expectations.

I appreciate how Andrea Jo Rodgers not only explores the benefits of certain exercises or choices, but for the exercises she also provides detailed images so you can see the proper technique for doing them. As someone in my fifties, I appreciate how she begins by building a healthy exercise routine designed to promote wellness.

So, if you want a nonfiction book, check out A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in this period of my life that I never thought of when I was twenty. Here I am looking at the aches and pains of aging and wondering how time passed so quickly. No one likes to age with health issues and my desire is to take care of my health as best I can. We need to recognize when our body is telling us to pay attention to those subtle changes as we age.

The book is very practical and gives readers ways to improve our health by being proactive. Taking walks, eating healthy and staying active are keys to aging gracefully. I appreciate how the author goes into detail about different areas like heart health as well as emotional health. This book is very useful and I am using the tools provided daily to age gracefully as I continue to enjoy the life God has given me.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Wendy Andrus]

I spent most of my middle age homeschooling my children, then transitioned into caring for my elderly parents. It's only been a couple years now that I have been able to focus on caring for my own health now. I have also spent a few years caring for elderly folks, so have seen the affects of the neglect of caring for one's health.

My body can no longer do many of the things it used to be able to do, but I would really like to slow the decline...for the sake of my grandsons. This book gives many helpful tips and suggestions for maintaining and improving one's health.

If you're looking for a practical guide on topics of improving cardiovascular health, joint health, etc., you'll want to grab yourself a copy. Read my full review on the blog,

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

[Mike Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the key word in the title is "Practical". The shelves are full of health books but most seem either unapproachable or perhaps a bid fad-like. This guide is practical in that you can go to the sections of most interest to you and find practical tips you can put into use right away. I admit I did that first and then went back and read the other areas. While you will want to go to sections of interest first, I would recommend going through all the sections because, if you are like me, you might come across things you didn't realize might be an issue to you until they are described here. Most of the books I read end up being permanently loaned out or on a shelf in the basement but this is one of the few that will stay nearby as a "go to" reference book.

[Anne Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Holistic Roadmap to Thriving in Later Years

The author Andrea Jo Rodgers draws from her extensive expertise as a Doctor of Physical Therapy to help readers pursue a life of vitality well into middle age and beyond. Covering topics as diverse as lowering blood pressure, boosting aerobic activity, preventing incontinence, and safeguarding bone health, Rodgers offers clear, step-by-step strategies. Her specialized training—ranging from pelvic health to oncology rehabilitation—adds depth and credibility to the guidance provided. With practical exercises, lifestyle tips, and evidence-based insights, this comprehensive book is an invaluable companion for anyone seeking to maintain a robust body and agile mind while aging gracefully.

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am seriously considering assigning this to my Psychology of Adulthood and Aging classes, even though it is clearly written for a general audience. Actually, the book might be best for people who are aging--which is all of us still here.

I don't think someone has to read every word of every chapter--one might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information if she tried. However, I focused on the chapters most relevant to me and I am amazed by how much I learned. Now, to put some of it to practice...

The author clearly knows what she's writing about and this is a book I recommend highly.

[Chloe Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep dive into maintaining your health

As a person over 50 I found this book to be full of helpful advice and concerns.

It starts right off with building an anaerobic exercise routine for older people, which is valuable because jumping in too hard and too fast can be dangerous. Other things are addressed like proper footwear and how to monitor your heart rate. The author also gives sound advice on how to recognize a stroke or heart attack and preventative measures one can take. Such as a Mediterranean diet and limiting meat and alcohol.

Overall I recommend this as a great resource to have on your shelf especially as you get older.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a doctor of physical therapy and was more than qualified to write this book with helpful advice to those of us “on the other side of the hill”. Chapters on heart health, bones, muscles, skin cancer, balance, stress and sleep are just a sample of the wisdom inside this book.
The exercises tailored for seniors was of special interest to me. Some advice was a little over my head but for the most part, very helpful.
For those of us needing encouragement as our aging bodies with various aches and pains increase, this was a good reference point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

[Michelle Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack Full of Tips for Aging

This was a phenomenal, well-researched book about health and aging written by the author who is a physical therapist. It included information about exercises (pictures/instructions), stress, sleep, healthy eating, risks for high blood pressure, dementia, diabetes and strokes, and warning signs for heart attacks. I loved all chapters including how spiritually helps with emotional and physical health. There are few new books with tips on aging, and I was glad to read this one. Highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us want to live long, healthy lives. This book, written by a physical therapist, had lots of great information about things you can do to help you achieve this idea. With interesting articles, diet guidelines, and exercises that include detailed pictures, this is a book that you will be glad to own and, and you will refer to it often in the coming years.

I received a copy of the book by Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, comprehensive book for adults. The author has packed so much useful information into this book. The referred to studies provide helpful information and facts and I really appreciated the numerous exercise suggestions. What I liked the most was it didn't just focus on a healthy body through exercise and food, but included mental, relational, and spiritual aspects as well. What a great resource to keep on the shelf for easy reference.

[Susan McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for healthy aging!

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOBODY’S as young as they used to be.