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Younger Next Year: A Guide To Living Like 50 Until You're 80 And Beyond
Turn back your biological clock. A breakthrough book for men--as much fun to read as it is persuasive--Younger Next Year draws on the very latest science of aging to show how men 50 or older can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, and continue to live like fifty-year-olds until well into their eighties. To enjoy life and be stronger, healthier, and more alert. To stave off 70% of the normal decay associated with aging (weakness, sore joints, apathy), and to eliminate over 50% of all illness and potential injuries. This is the real thing, a program that will work for anyone who decides to apply himself to "Harry's Rules."
Harry is Henry S. Lodge, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine and preventive healthcare. Chris Crowley is Harry's 70-year-old patient who's stronger today (and skiing better) than when he was 40. Together, in alternating chapters that are lively, sometimes outspoken, and always utterly convincing, they spell out Harry's Rules and the science behind them. The rules are deceptively simple: Exercise Six Days a Week. Eat What You Know You Should. Connect to Other People and Commit to Feeling Passionate About Something. The science, simplified and demystified, ranges from the molecular biology of growth and decay to how our bodies and minds evolved (and why they fare so poorly in our sedentary, all-feast no-famine culture). The result is nothing less than a paradigm shift in our view of aging.
Welcome to the next third of your life--train for it, and you'll have a ball.
Harry is Henry S. Lodge, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine and preventive healthcare. Chris Crowley is Harry's 70-year-old patient who's stronger today (and skiing better) than when he was 40. Together, in alternating chapters that are lively, sometimes outspoken, and always utterly convincing, they spell out Harry's Rules and the science behind them. The rules are deceptively simple: Exercise Six Days a Week. Eat What You Know You Should. Connect to Other People and Commit to Feeling Passionate About Something. The science, simplified and demystified, ranges from the molecular biology of growth and decay to how our bodies and minds evolved (and why they fare so poorly in our sedentary, all-feast no-famine culture). The result is nothing less than a paradigm shift in our view of aging.
Welcome to the next third of your life--train for it, and you'll have a ball.
321 pages, Hardcover
First published December 7, 2004
1685 people are currently reading
4179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 654 reviews
June 30, 2010
Reluctantly, I give this 3 stars; I hated reading it, and much is very poorly written & poorly presented from the large type to the rambling, repetitious chapters; I think Chris Crowley is pompous, sexist (read pig trying to hard at "guy talk"), arrogant & full of hot air, but perhaps just a great foil for Harry the MD; the research on the brain & cell deterioration is important...and a lot of the rest we've heard before...FOR THE GOOD PARTS EDITION: read Harry's Chap 18, "The Limbic Brain & the Biology of Emotion" & Chris's Chap 19 "connect & Committ" & their combined Chap 21 "Relentless Optimism" which is a good summary of the book combined with the first page of the Appendix which contains the magic 7 RULES as told throughout the book.
This book kicked me in the butt, I took notes, but the key I think is I devised my own system & reduced it to my own 5 rules: EAT less, SLEEP more, EXERCISE everyday, PLAY well with others, & do NOW what you've always wanted to do!
So, I must conclude: Thanks, Harry...thanks, Chris.
This book kicked me in the butt, I took notes, but the key I think is I devised my own system & reduced it to my own 5 rules: EAT less, SLEEP more, EXERCISE everyday, PLAY well with others, & do NOW what you've always wanted to do!
So, I must conclude: Thanks, Harry...thanks, Chris.
April 30, 2011
Terrific book. By a (then) 70 year old and his doctor. Really motivated me to get moving and start exercising again. I did and I am. What the doctor said that had most impact to me: 70% + of the affects of old age are voluntary! They can be mitigated by lifestyle changes.
I decided I didn't want to sign up for the negative effects of getting older, so I've made the changes, loss massive amounts of weight, improved my eating habits and feel wonderful.
The thing that Chris said that had the biggest impact on me: You have to think of daily exercise the same way you think of work - you just do it. You don't decide everyday whether or not you do it (work or exercise), you just get up and do it, because that is who you are and what you do.
I made a decision in early November, 2010 that I will exercise EVERY DAY - and that is what I do (avg of 60 minutes a day!). And I love it!
I decided I didn't want to sign up for the negative effects of getting older, so I've made the changes, loss massive amounts of weight, improved my eating habits and feel wonderful.
The thing that Chris said that had the biggest impact on me: You have to think of daily exercise the same way you think of work - you just do it. You don't decide everyday whether or not you do it (work or exercise), you just get up and do it, because that is who you are and what you do.
I made a decision in early November, 2010 that I will exercise EVERY DAY - and that is what I do (avg of 60 minutes a day!). And I love it!
May 15, 2021
My brother got me this book as a joke for my thirtieth birthday (it was a joke, right?!), so I am not exactly this book’s target audience. In another thirty years I will be, though; and I suppose it doesn’t hurt to get a head start. This book is aimed at men—yes, specifically men—on the cusp of retirement. (There is a companion book for women with a pink cover, which I find rather silly, especially considering that all of the advice in this book—except for a very short section on erectile dysfunction—applies to both sexes. But I suppose they make more money this way.)
When you pick up a best-selling self-help book, you would expect at least some of the advice to be unexpected. Not so here. The author’s advice boils down to a few commonsense points: exercise a lot, eat healthy food, socialize, stay active, and don’t go bankrupt. Further, about two thirds of the book is about exercise, with the rest of the advice given as a kind of afterthought. You might think that this is not enough content to fill 350 pages; but the authors do so by dwelling on the specifics of exercise—why to do it, and how to do it.
The writing can be tiresome, and the information repetitive (they seem to be imagining a person adamantly opposed to all forms of physical activity), yet the authors do effectively drive home the point that exercise is crucial to good health in old age (and presumably at any age). Even if the lesson is obvious, it is refreshing to see a self-help regime that does not promise an easy fix, but instead offers old-fashioned blood, sweat, and tears.
When you pick up a best-selling self-help book, you would expect at least some of the advice to be unexpected. Not so here. The author’s advice boils down to a few commonsense points: exercise a lot, eat healthy food, socialize, stay active, and don’t go bankrupt. Further, about two thirds of the book is about exercise, with the rest of the advice given as a kind of afterthought. You might think that this is not enough content to fill 350 pages; but the authors do so by dwelling on the specifics of exercise—why to do it, and how to do it.
The writing can be tiresome, and the information repetitive (they seem to be imagining a person adamantly opposed to all forms of physical activity), yet the authors do effectively drive home the point that exercise is crucial to good health in old age (and presumably at any age). Even if the lesson is obvious, it is refreshing to see a self-help regime that does not promise an easy fix, but instead offers old-fashioned blood, sweat, and tears.
August 3, 2024
This book reads very much like the women's version that I finished recently (my review on that book is more detailed). The authors advise that to age well and healthfully we need to exercise six days a week (four aerobic and two strength training) for 40-60 minutes.
They advise to "eat less junk" ; not to necessarily try to go on a diet. Avoid the fried foods, the heavily processed foods, drink in moderation (if at all).
A goodly portion of the book is dedicated to the limbic system of the brain--that is to be connected with people. Longevity and good social relationships go hand-in-hand. Keep your friends and deepen friendships. Make new friends. Volunteer. Be part of things. Being a pet owner helps too!
They feel that if you do these things consistently, you'll be able to sustain a longer life and one that is not riddled with metabolic disease. The body can withstand more movement and injury prevention if it is worked every day.
They admit that sometimes in life we get dealt an unlucky hand and get diseases (such as cancer) that we may not have preventative control over simply by doing all the right things (diet, exercise, and social/spiritual connections). This one personally is really hard for me right now as my friend shared her serious cancer diagnosis with me yesterday. She's the epitome of health: she runs, hikes, bikes, swims, eats a very healthy diet, has never been overweight, etc. I look up to her. Why is my healthy friend at facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 50s?
I'm working their plan but I have a long way to go. I'm getting 10 minutes of good aerobic exercise during the weekdays and the recommended 40-60 minutes on the weekends. I'm eating less junk, simply because there are boatloads of veggies coming ready from our garden and we're getting and giving veggies from/to friends and family.
I'm personally doing better with social connectivity than with diet/exercise. I like the idea of volunteering. I lend a hand here and there but I'd like to do more. Lately I've been thinking about 5k races. There's one coming up that I'd like to help with set-up/take down and spectate if not participate in.
They advise to "eat less junk" ; not to necessarily try to go on a diet. Avoid the fried foods, the heavily processed foods, drink in moderation (if at all).
A goodly portion of the book is dedicated to the limbic system of the brain--that is to be connected with people. Longevity and good social relationships go hand-in-hand. Keep your friends and deepen friendships. Make new friends. Volunteer. Be part of things. Being a pet owner helps too!
They feel that if you do these things consistently, you'll be able to sustain a longer life and one that is not riddled with metabolic disease. The body can withstand more movement and injury prevention if it is worked every day.
They admit that sometimes in life we get dealt an unlucky hand and get diseases (such as cancer) that we may not have preventative control over simply by doing all the right things (diet, exercise, and social/spiritual connections). This one personally is really hard for me right now as my friend shared her serious cancer diagnosis with me yesterday. She's the epitome of health: she runs, hikes, bikes, swims, eats a very healthy diet, has never been overweight, etc. I look up to her. Why is my healthy friend at facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 50s?
I'm working their plan but I have a long way to go. I'm getting 10 minutes of good aerobic exercise during the weekdays and the recommended 40-60 minutes on the weekends. I'm eating less junk, simply because there are boatloads of veggies coming ready from our garden and we're getting and giving veggies from/to friends and family.
I'm personally doing better with social connectivity than with diet/exercise. I like the idea of volunteering. I lend a hand here and there but I'd like to do more. Lately I've been thinking about 5k races. There's one coming up that I'd like to help with set-up/take down and spectate if not participate in.
February 28, 2019
Seemed out of date and nothing new inside. I just found the book so overwritten and inflated when the message can be boiled down to a few talking points.
January 30, 2025
This is one of the most important books that I ever read. I first read it nine years ago and not a day has gone by that I haven’t used something from it. The information is as relevant today as it was back then. I’ve read this book many times, just to get a hit of inspiration when I’m tempted to stray.
I got so inspired by this book that after reading it, I completely changed my eating and exercise habits to follow the regiment. I lost 25 pounds, and got strong and fit. And the good news is that nine years later, I’m still at it, strong, healthy, slim and fit. I used to catch every malady that came down the pike, but now I rarely get sick.
The authors are such cheerleaders that you can’t help but get on board with improving your life. They made the journey fun and presented some pretty convincing evidence why these changes are so important.
The thing that really stuck with me was that if you allow your weight to slowly creep up over the decades, sure you’ll die earlier. But much more disturbing is the fact that you’ll be in pain for a lot of the last years of your life. That was a pretty sobering thought.
Thank you Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. Your book inspired me to completely change my life and awakened me to how a few key changes can make such a huge difference.
I got so inspired by this book that after reading it, I completely changed my eating and exercise habits to follow the regiment. I lost 25 pounds, and got strong and fit. And the good news is that nine years later, I’m still at it, strong, healthy, slim and fit. I used to catch every malady that came down the pike, but now I rarely get sick.
The authors are such cheerleaders that you can’t help but get on board with improving your life. They made the journey fun and presented some pretty convincing evidence why these changes are so important.
The thing that really stuck with me was that if you allow your weight to slowly creep up over the decades, sure you’ll die earlier. But much more disturbing is the fact that you’ll be in pain for a lot of the last years of your life. That was a pretty sobering thought.
Thank you Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. Your book inspired me to completely change my life and awakened me to how a few key changes can make such a huge difference.
August 20, 2018
A gift from a fellow 12-stepper. Seems like something that will be of help, so I'll give it a shot.
Wolf CREEK Pass in Colorado has a ski area, not WOLF Pass ...
- Guy writes a bit like a modern day Bill W. - kind over elaborate and flowery. NOT a great writer(the civilian, not the doctor).
- Next up, the doctor's story - AA'ers will recognize that!
Read a bit more into this last night. The suggestions presented so far and the urgency behind them are good stuff, but ... if you don't have a lot of money your options are limited vis-a-vis the "plan encouraged by this book. The non-MD author part of the tandem is a retired lawyer. The books is definitely aimed at solidly middle-class and above people. Downhill skiing??? VERY expensive, dude ...
Back to this one last night after a hiatus of several weeks. The Dr. got my attention quickly with his discussion of how our hearts age and how we don't take care of them and pay the price with heart disease and failure. GULP ... guilty!
Slowly working my way through THIS one too! I hope the outcome will be to get me to do a fair amount of what is urged in this book.
Back again for another chapter. A continuing problem ... the author(not the doctor) is a gun-ho type "A" personality. His exercise plan is VERY intense. No doubt there are significant rewards to be had, but for me, with one bad-but-not-horrible knee, the furthest extent of the exercise plan is unattainable. And, as I've mentioned before, he's got more money that you or I do. He describes a lovely and intense early morning hike-up and run-down a steep jeep, somewhat snow-covered jeep road near Aspen. Later on another day a beautiful morning of deep powder skiing at Aspen Highlands. Nice work if you can afford it!
Once again, in the "gear" chapter, CC pushes the money buttons as he urges the reader to spend hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. I get the point that modern gear is a big plus for exercisers(my Trek hybrid bike cost me several hundred dollars and I need to get on it more), but once again he sounds kind of insensitive and elitist. Nice stuff is nice if you can afford it!
Last night's chapter was written by the Doc and gave details about how strength/weight training works. JUST long enough. Back to the motivator in next chapter.
I think that the author at times tries too hard to be ... clever? folksy? Last night he "shared" about all the little things that happen as we men age. Most of them seemed familiar. I could have done without the aging penis silliness, though.
Now begins the section on diet - not dieting, and I'm liking this book better and better. Good common sense. The first section is about what to eat and what not to eat. Pretty straightforward isn't it. Does any sane well-informed adult in our culture NOT know this stuff know by now?????
Part 1 ends with a short chapter about booze. The whole thing seems a bit muddled. The author proclaims alcohol "among the great joys of my life" but gives the rest of us a pretty straightforward picture of the benefits and perils of alcohol consumption. Turns out that a moderate amount per day is healthy. Seems like his warnings of late-in-life-alcohol abuse ought to be applied to his martini-loving self. Two martinis is ALWAYS one too many. As for me ... I'm in AA = no booze.
I've finally moved into the last part of the book, the part about emotion, attitude, relationships etc. Should be interesting. It's better to burn out than it is to rust ... My My Hey Hey ...
Getting near the end now and it's all about attitude. As Agassi said in that long ago Olympus advert, "Attitude is EVERYTHING!"
Finished last night with this helpful and inspiring and occasionally annoying book. I see that Mr. Crowley also added the same type of book for women a few years later. Let's face it ... women just do this stuff better than men. Hence the difference in life expectancy.
- Chris C. says that birds don't play, but have observed a bunch of crows having fun playing and chortling in the updrafts at the top of Mt. Abraham in Maine. THAT was a special day ...
- 3.5* rounds down to 3*
Wolf CREEK Pass in Colorado has a ski area, not WOLF Pass ...
- Guy writes a bit like a modern day Bill W. - kind over elaborate and flowery. NOT a great writer(the civilian, not the doctor).
- Next up, the doctor's story - AA'ers will recognize that!
Read a bit more into this last night. The suggestions presented so far and the urgency behind them are good stuff, but ... if you don't have a lot of money your options are limited vis-a-vis the "plan encouraged by this book. The non-MD author part of the tandem is a retired lawyer. The books is definitely aimed at solidly middle-class and above people. Downhill skiing??? VERY expensive, dude ...
Back to this one last night after a hiatus of several weeks. The Dr. got my attention quickly with his discussion of how our hearts age and how we don't take care of them and pay the price with heart disease and failure. GULP ... guilty!
Slowly working my way through THIS one too! I hope the outcome will be to get me to do a fair amount of what is urged in this book.
Back again for another chapter. A continuing problem ... the author(not the doctor) is a gun-ho type "A" personality. His exercise plan is VERY intense. No doubt there are significant rewards to be had, but for me, with one bad-but-not-horrible knee, the furthest extent of the exercise plan is unattainable. And, as I've mentioned before, he's got more money that you or I do. He describes a lovely and intense early morning hike-up and run-down a steep jeep, somewhat snow-covered jeep road near Aspen. Later on another day a beautiful morning of deep powder skiing at Aspen Highlands. Nice work if you can afford it!
Once again, in the "gear" chapter, CC pushes the money buttons as he urges the reader to spend hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. I get the point that modern gear is a big plus for exercisers(my Trek hybrid bike cost me several hundred dollars and I need to get on it more), but once again he sounds kind of insensitive and elitist. Nice stuff is nice if you can afford it!
Last night's chapter was written by the Doc and gave details about how strength/weight training works. JUST long enough. Back to the motivator in next chapter.
I think that the author at times tries too hard to be ... clever? folksy? Last night he "shared" about all the little things that happen as we men age. Most of them seemed familiar. I could have done without the aging penis silliness, though.
Now begins the section on diet - not dieting, and I'm liking this book better and better. Good common sense. The first section is about what to eat and what not to eat. Pretty straightforward isn't it. Does any sane well-informed adult in our culture NOT know this stuff know by now?????
Part 1 ends with a short chapter about booze. The whole thing seems a bit muddled. The author proclaims alcohol "among the great joys of my life" but gives the rest of us a pretty straightforward picture of the benefits and perils of alcohol consumption. Turns out that a moderate amount per day is healthy. Seems like his warnings of late-in-life-alcohol abuse ought to be applied to his martini-loving self. Two martinis is ALWAYS one too many. As for me ... I'm in AA = no booze.
I've finally moved into the last part of the book, the part about emotion, attitude, relationships etc. Should be interesting. It's better to burn out than it is to rust ... My My Hey Hey ...
Getting near the end now and it's all about attitude. As Agassi said in that long ago Olympus advert, "Attitude is EVERYTHING!"
Finished last night with this helpful and inspiring and occasionally annoying book. I see that Mr. Crowley also added the same type of book for women a few years later. Let's face it ... women just do this stuff better than men. Hence the difference in life expectancy.
- Chris C. says that birds don't play, but have observed a bunch of crows having fun playing and chortling in the updrafts at the top of Mt. Abraham in Maine. THAT was a special day ...
- 3.5* rounds down to 3*
February 17, 2015
I picked up this book at the library without realizing that it is specifically directed at men; however the advice is surely universal. I just noticed that there is a version directed at women, so I will be checking that one out next.
As an aging baby boomer who is seeing the gradual decline of "middle age" (an age which I'm sure now lasts until 70), I'm interested in learning more about what I can do to halt the inevitable decline. By now, we've all watched our parents, aunts and uncles die off - sometimes due to a single dramatic health event (heart attack, cancer...), but more often it's an agonizing slow, dwindling series of losses - loss of balance, loss of memory, loss of hearing, loss of eyesight, loss of mobility, loss of the "love of life". More than anything, we want that process to be more like a cliff than a gradual dwindling.
Crowley and Lodge team up in this entertaining and educational book to tell us how that can happen. There's no new science here, but there is plenty of good advice and supporting evidence for the claims, presented in an approachable and humorous manner. The "rules" are quite simple: exercise at least 6 times a week, stop eating crap and connect and commit. I know that I'm already following those rules to an extent; however after reading the book I've realized that I need to step up my game. More fruits and veggies daily, increase the intensity of exercise, get out more and involved in as many engaging activities as possible.
The book should ideally be read by someone in their late 40's or early 50's, just as the relentless march of time is starting to have their effect on our bodies - metabolism slows down, the extra pounds creep on, the demands of family and career force exercise and caring for ourselves to take a back seat. But as Crowley repeats throughout the book, it's never too late to start !
I've deducted one star because I felt that the material could have presented in a more concise and organized manner. Some chapters are quite repetitive of previously presented information. A few graphs and charts would have made it easier to understand resting heart rate and the various target heart rates so that everyone doesn't have to do the math themselves.
As an aging baby boomer who is seeing the gradual decline of "middle age" (an age which I'm sure now lasts until 70), I'm interested in learning more about what I can do to halt the inevitable decline. By now, we've all watched our parents, aunts and uncles die off - sometimes due to a single dramatic health event (heart attack, cancer...), but more often it's an agonizing slow, dwindling series of losses - loss of balance, loss of memory, loss of hearing, loss of eyesight, loss of mobility, loss of the "love of life". More than anything, we want that process to be more like a cliff than a gradual dwindling.
Crowley and Lodge team up in this entertaining and educational book to tell us how that can happen. There's no new science here, but there is plenty of good advice and supporting evidence for the claims, presented in an approachable and humorous manner. The "rules" are quite simple: exercise at least 6 times a week, stop eating crap and connect and commit. I know that I'm already following those rules to an extent; however after reading the book I've realized that I need to step up my game. More fruits and veggies daily, increase the intensity of exercise, get out more and involved in as many engaging activities as possible.
The book should ideally be read by someone in their late 40's or early 50's, just as the relentless march of time is starting to have their effect on our bodies - metabolism slows down, the extra pounds creep on, the demands of family and career force exercise and caring for ourselves to take a back seat. But as Crowley repeats throughout the book, it's never too late to start !
I've deducted one star because I felt that the material could have presented in a more concise and organized manner. Some chapters are quite repetitive of previously presented information. A few graphs and charts would have made it easier to understand resting heart rate and the various target heart rates so that everyone doesn't have to do the math themselves.
August 23, 2017
This book is co-authored by two men. Henry S. Lodge, M.D. provides the level headed, scientifically sound, commentary while the other co-author, Chris Crowley, spouts out the "mano-e-mano" pep-talk targeted at the reader's male ego. I say male ego because this book is specifically aimed at men who are 50 or over contemplating retirement, growing old, and dying.
The promise of this book is that if the male reader gets with the program they can live, as indicated by the book's subtitle, "Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond." The book is designed to motivate its targeted audience to (1) Exercise 6 days a week, (2) Eat a healthy diet, and (3) Connect to other people and commit to being passionate about something. The combination of the book's scientific and macho messages provides the psychological effect of a cheering crowd encouraging the reader to head for the gym, eat healthy, and be gregarious and passionate about life. The lessons are hammered into the reader's mind with Lodge being the teacher/educator and Crowley being the gym/life coach.
A friend of mine, who didn't like the book, informed me that if one adds up all the expenses for the sport activities suggested by Crowley in this book that the total comes to about $20,000 per year. Well, it's true that Crowley says a lot of things that tend to be a bit over the top. But I blew that stuff off as hyper-motivational talk. There's a section of the book titled "Chasing the Iron Bunny" in which the book emphasizes the importance of living in retirement within your means.
Regarding the subject of food, this book says "don't go on a diet" because they never work. Instead stop eating "crap" and eat appropriate serving sizes. This together with a physically active lifestyle will allow the body's weight to take care of itself. Then the book proceeds to contradict its own advice by telling the reader to not eat potatoes, rice and pasta because of the carbohydrates. That sounds like a diet to me.
In general, I pretty much already comply with their recommended lifestyle (less expensive sporting activities). So I received much of their message as affirmation of things I'm already doing. But there were plenty of suggestions throughout the book that I will consider making part of my own life. But I think I'll continue eating potatoes, rice and pasta (as a part of a balance diet) in spite of the book's condemnation of carbohydrates.
These authors also have published another version of this book aimed at women titled Younger Next Year for Women.
The following is from the 2008 PageADay Booklover's Calendar:
LIVE BETTER
Septuagenarian Chris Crowley, a former litigator, and internist Henry Lodge deliver their irresistibly upbeat philosophy just in time for baby boomers who want the golden years to be truly golden. Mixing accessible science and convincing personal testimony, the authors give an easy-to-follow blueprint for healthful, zestful longevity: keeping the body vital, even turning back the clock, and, equally important, exercising the mind and satisfying the need for social connection. The medical community and a legion of enthusiastic readers made this book a deserving bestseller.
YOUNGER NEXT YEAR: A GUIDE TO LIVING LIKE 50 UNTIL YOU’RE 80 AND BEYOND , by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (Workman Publishing, 2004)
The promise of this book is that if the male reader gets with the program they can live, as indicated by the book's subtitle, "Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond." The book is designed to motivate its targeted audience to (1) Exercise 6 days a week, (2) Eat a healthy diet, and (3) Connect to other people and commit to being passionate about something. The combination of the book's scientific and macho messages provides the psychological effect of a cheering crowd encouraging the reader to head for the gym, eat healthy, and be gregarious and passionate about life. The lessons are hammered into the reader's mind with Lodge being the teacher/educator and Crowley being the gym/life coach.
A friend of mine, who didn't like the book, informed me that if one adds up all the expenses for the sport activities suggested by Crowley in this book that the total comes to about $20,000 per year. Well, it's true that Crowley says a lot of things that tend to be a bit over the top. But I blew that stuff off as hyper-motivational talk. There's a section of the book titled "Chasing the Iron Bunny" in which the book emphasizes the importance of living in retirement within your means.
Regarding the subject of food, this book says "don't go on a diet" because they never work. Instead stop eating "crap" and eat appropriate serving sizes. This together with a physically active lifestyle will allow the body's weight to take care of itself. Then the book proceeds to contradict its own advice by telling the reader to not eat potatoes, rice and pasta because of the carbohydrates. That sounds like a diet to me.
In general, I pretty much already comply with their recommended lifestyle (less expensive sporting activities). So I received much of their message as affirmation of things I'm already doing. But there were plenty of suggestions throughout the book that I will consider making part of my own life. But I think I'll continue eating potatoes, rice and pasta (as a part of a balance diet) in spite of the book's condemnation of carbohydrates.
These authors also have published another version of this book aimed at women titled Younger Next Year for Women.
The following is from the 2008 PageADay Booklover's Calendar:
LIVE BETTER
Septuagenarian Chris Crowley, a former litigator, and internist Henry Lodge deliver their irresistibly upbeat philosophy just in time for baby boomers who want the golden years to be truly golden. Mixing accessible science and convincing personal testimony, the authors give an easy-to-follow blueprint for healthful, zestful longevity: keeping the body vital, even turning back the clock, and, equally important, exercising the mind and satisfying the need for social connection. The medical community and a legion of enthusiastic readers made this book a deserving bestseller.
YOUNGER NEXT YEAR: A GUIDE TO LIVING LIKE 50 UNTIL YOU’RE 80 AND BEYOND , by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (Workman Publishing, 2004)
November 4, 2011
A friend (who unbeknownst to me hadn't read it) mentioned this book, I like to see what my friends are up to, so I read it. Wow, I was ready (as the jacket blurb warns), this book has changed my life. The wisdom of this book can be summed up as follows:
1. Engage in daily demanding physical activity-tell your body to grow. 2. Don't engage in daily demanding physical activity-tell your body to decay. 3. Choose.
You'll notice that I didn't use the word exercise here, that was on purpose because this is not (as the authors submit and I confirm) and exercise or diet book. How can any book with a chapter title called 'Stop Eating Crap' really be called a diet book? Seriously. This book is best read with salt and a sense of humor. Written by a doctor (who from my lay perspective has some very interesting things to say about how our bodies work) and a raconteur, it's chapters alternate nicely between stories about living well after fifty (albeit sometimes with a wee bit extra testosterone-which is probably why they came out with the sequel for women) and what's going on under your skin. I admit, I've followed through on a variety of suggestions in this book and my personal results have been impressive, if I don't mind saying so myself, lol. Must reading reading for all humans over 50, especially those who have something left in the tank.
1. Engage in daily demanding physical activity-tell your body to grow. 2. Don't engage in daily demanding physical activity-tell your body to decay. 3. Choose.
You'll notice that I didn't use the word exercise here, that was on purpose because this is not (as the authors submit and I confirm) and exercise or diet book. How can any book with a chapter title called 'Stop Eating Crap' really be called a diet book? Seriously. This book is best read with salt and a sense of humor. Written by a doctor (who from my lay perspective has some very interesting things to say about how our bodies work) and a raconteur, it's chapters alternate nicely between stories about living well after fifty (albeit sometimes with a wee bit extra testosterone-which is probably why they came out with the sequel for women) and what's going on under your skin. I admit, I've followed through on a variety of suggestions in this book and my personal results have been impressive, if I don't mind saying so myself, lol. Must reading reading for all humans over 50, especially those who have something left in the tank.
November 5, 2011
Give this book to every man you care about. Period.
Already confirms the way I've lived most of my life, and I look at least ten if not fifteen yrs younger than I am; (depends upon pt of reference)
The best news is that even joint pain improves if one doesn't shy away from the challenge of exercise. Just bought my new Nikes today. Funny, but I keep hearing a voice in my head chanting, "10K, 10K, 10K..." (translation: a 10 kilometer footrace;)
PS: I was 57 in August. Foto taken just 2 yrs ago in Greece ~ where I backpack each summer.
Already confirms the way I've lived most of my life, and I look at least ten if not fifteen yrs younger than I am; (depends upon pt of reference)
The best news is that even joint pain improves if one doesn't shy away from the challenge of exercise. Just bought my new Nikes today. Funny, but I keep hearing a voice in my head chanting, "10K, 10K, 10K..." (translation: a 10 kilometer footrace;)
PS: I was 57 in August. Foto taken just 2 yrs ago in Greece ~ where I backpack each summer.
July 10, 2012
While this book was meant for 50plus retirees, it shared valuable information on how you should live in order to ebb the incoming tide of aging. Basically it said there are four musts to staying young. 1. Exercise (at least 4 days of cardio, 2 days of weights a week)
2. Don't eat things you know you shouldn't (fast food, trans fats, refined starches,etc)
3. Be a part of a social group.
4. Find something you are passionate about and do it. (unless it is binge drinking)
The book delved into the science of why doing these things are so important and brushed upon how evolution is responsible. How the body is disconnected from the brain and the way we communicate with it is through exercise and proper nutrition. How there is actually good decay of our bodies which is caused by vigorous exercise and how it triggers growth.
A quick read which was well worth it.
2. Don't eat things you know you shouldn't (fast food, trans fats, refined starches,etc)
3. Be a part of a social group.
4. Find something you are passionate about and do it. (unless it is binge drinking)
The book delved into the science of why doing these things are so important and brushed upon how evolution is responsible. How the body is disconnected from the brain and the way we communicate with it is through exercise and proper nutrition. How there is actually good decay of our bodies which is caused by vigorous exercise and how it triggers growth.
A quick read which was well worth it.
December 19, 2009
This is probably the most important book I've read in the lasts decade. It talks plain sense on how to be younger next year. I adopted many of their suggestions with terrific results. I've also handed out this book to geezer friends of mine so that they won't give up golf because of getting old (I need their money). You can get it in paper or on Amazon Kindle. There's a separate edition for men and women. Buy it now so that you can have years reading all the fun books out there. www.geezer-lit.com
January 7, 2010
This was a gift from my boss; otherwise, it would not be something I would read. That being said, I ended up being quite interested in the scientific evidence behind the methodology. Fortunately, the doctor provides this information. The other author is whack and tries to make his point through anecdotes and jokes. He really dragged the book down to one star for me and, ultimately, I ended up skipping the chapters he wrote, or for which he was credited.
July 6, 2022
I read this very slowly over many months but I loved it and thought about it constantly.
August 14, 2013
Just finished "Younger Next Year" and found the information to be practical and knowledge based. Henry's rules are summed up neatly, in the appendix, as
1) Exercise six days as week for the rest of your life.
2) Do serious aerobic exercise four days a week for the rest of your life.
3) Do serious strength training, with weights, two days a week for the rest of your life.
4) Spend less than you make.
5) Quit eating crap.
6) Care.
7) Connect and Commit.
I have heard the rules in different forms and from different sources over the years but the science behind this added important detail and extra motivation to moving forward. Chris' input to the book provided evidence that it can be done. While the writing is easy to follow and informative I did at times find that Chris was writing for a target audience of his wealthy peers. I would love to take off on ski adventures, travel to Europe for cycling tours, or buy my own shell but these are beyond my means. Would love to have read more about Joe Average and his attempts to be younger next year.
This is a very good book and worth reading especially for those like me, approaching 50, or those like my older brothers, in their 50s and beyond.
1) Exercise six days as week for the rest of your life.
2) Do serious aerobic exercise four days a week for the rest of your life.
3) Do serious strength training, with weights, two days a week for the rest of your life.
4) Spend less than you make.
5) Quit eating crap.
6) Care.
7) Connect and Commit.
I have heard the rules in different forms and from different sources over the years but the science behind this added important detail and extra motivation to moving forward. Chris' input to the book provided evidence that it can be done. While the writing is easy to follow and informative I did at times find that Chris was writing for a target audience of his wealthy peers. I would love to take off on ski adventures, travel to Europe for cycling tours, or buy my own shell but these are beyond my means. Would love to have read more about Joe Average and his attempts to be younger next year.
This is a very good book and worth reading especially for those like me, approaching 50, or those like my older brothers, in their 50s and beyond.
March 31, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that was recommended to me by Kathy Wilson. She and Grey read it together and Monty and I did the same. The combo authors of a business man and a internist who specializes in preventive care was perfect - Chris would share the why and Henry would explain the how. The basics of the book are nothing new - originally written in 2005, it was rereleased in it's original form with some additional new chapters to capture new info that has been discovered since then. It really is the basics of exercise, good eating and social exchange that we all know are what we need - but they present it in such a way that it's easy to hear, even better to understand - and funny at many times throughout the book (just don't eat crap!). Highly recommend!
February 28, 2022
I expected a book on fitness and exercise, with nutrition.
It did cover those things but at least a third of the book was more on making connections,having a purpose, and others.
It was geared towards retirement with a lot of varying topics.
It did cover those things but at least a third of the book was more on making connections,having a purpose, and others.
It was geared towards retirement with a lot of varying topics.
December 12, 2019
I wanted to hate this book. I honestly did. A self help book with that title should be for sure about snake oils. But I honestly feel the authors are lit. Sure, The authors alternate between juicy and fluff chapters. All of the chapters written by the doctor are interesting and all of the chapters by the lawyer are just pure garbage. But again I loved a few chapters so much that made a book worth reading. The takeaway is: exercise six days a week, do weights two days a week and no more, build a strong community. Love your partner, cuddle. I am still way younger than 50 so the chapters about needing to hit the viagra bottle after the 50s was pretty scary. Overall was a great book.
October 15, 2021
Admittedly I didn’t realize this book is meant for men aged 50+ until I started it, and due to the fact I had nothing else checked out I had nothing else to read. Now, if you follow the advice in the book you will do well. Who would’ve thought- exercise and healthy eating will keep you young!
September 26, 2016
I found a lot to like in this book, but I also have a problem with some its assertions, especially about exercise.
On the positive side, I like the dual approach the authors take, alternating between Chris's lively - and often funny - pep-talks and Harry's cool presentation of the science supporting their recommendations. Both authors come across as genuinely interested in coaxing and cajoling the reader into taking positive action to improve his health (the book is geared mainly toward men in their 50's and up). I especially like the last section, which hammers home the importance of staying not only physically active, but intellectually involved and emotionally connected. In short, we need to be not only physically active, we also need to be interested in the world around us and to stay connected with the people in our lives.
On the down side, I have serious doubts about the amount of exercise recommended in this book. Even though, as the authors clearly state, this is not an exercise book, they recommend long and vigorous workouts, using weights for strength, coupled with some form of aerobic exercise, such as swimming, running or skiing. All these exercises are great and they can work wonders. But, I think the levels of exercise endorsed by this book may put off some people, or lead others to push themselves too hard, resulting in injury or burnout. Probably the only thing worse than doing no exercise at all is doing too much exercise. In the last few years, I've seen many advertisements for joint-replacement procedures and they are often aimed at very active, middle-aged people. No doubt, many people suffer joint and back problems because they are either overweight or inactive, or both. But, I can't help thinking that many people need such treatments because they are pushing themselves to extreme levels of exercise. I still think moderation is best, especially over the long haul. While muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness are both extremely important, the authors basically ignore range of motion and joint-strengthening exercises. This seems to be common in today's exercise books. Without strong joints and a pain-free range of motion (as opposed to often-painful stretching), strong muscles and marathon-like stamina may only fool a person into thinking they are "fit", only to find their joints creaking as they age.
Another point that may be off-putting to some readers is Chris' (admittedly) effusive praise for "real" athletes, such as some of his skiing friends. He doesn't include himself in this category, though. Many of the people he cites are in their 70's and 80's, so yes, they are truly impressive and they can be inspiring to all of us. But, I think this part of the book may cause some readers to even wonder why they should bother to start exercising, since they have no intention of reaching that level of competitive skill. Nor do you need ultra-expensive bikes. Fitness is, in my opinion, a consistent, life-long pursuit; a goal that can be reached every day, in moderation and with enjoyment. Being fit and healthy throughout one's life is not the same as being an "athlete" and is, in my opinion, a far better goal. Former Olympic Champions and professional athletes don't necessarily live any longer than the rest of us "mere mortals", nor are they always as fit and healthy, once they retire.
To sum up, I think this book can be a great motivator for people who know they need to make some changes in their life. Harry and Chris can definitely convince and inspire you to start making those changes and they offer you some concrete guidelines on how to start. There is a Younger Next Year website and Chris has an interesting blog, also.
On the other hand, my main concern is that some people who read this book may feel that it is way beyond them, so they won't bother to make any changes. That would be too bad. There is a huge gap (26.2 miles, in fact) between sitting on the couch all day and running a marathon. If you would like some alternative - and much easier - approaches to life-long health and strength training, I recommend "Sitting Kills, Moving Heals", by Dr. Joan Vernikos, "Chiang's Exercise", by Kam Chiang and "The Fat Old Man's Guide to Health and Fitness", 3rd Edition, by Marc Bonis. I believe these 3 books correctly demonstrate that you can be fit and healthy for life, with just enough time and effort required to fit a few, well-chosen exercises into your daily life.
On the positive side, I like the dual approach the authors take, alternating between Chris's lively - and often funny - pep-talks and Harry's cool presentation of the science supporting their recommendations. Both authors come across as genuinely interested in coaxing and cajoling the reader into taking positive action to improve his health (the book is geared mainly toward men in their 50's and up). I especially like the last section, which hammers home the importance of staying not only physically active, but intellectually involved and emotionally connected. In short, we need to be not only physically active, we also need to be interested in the world around us and to stay connected with the people in our lives.
On the down side, I have serious doubts about the amount of exercise recommended in this book. Even though, as the authors clearly state, this is not an exercise book, they recommend long and vigorous workouts, using weights for strength, coupled with some form of aerobic exercise, such as swimming, running or skiing. All these exercises are great and they can work wonders. But, I think the levels of exercise endorsed by this book may put off some people, or lead others to push themselves too hard, resulting in injury or burnout. Probably the only thing worse than doing no exercise at all is doing too much exercise. In the last few years, I've seen many advertisements for joint-replacement procedures and they are often aimed at very active, middle-aged people. No doubt, many people suffer joint and back problems because they are either overweight or inactive, or both. But, I can't help thinking that many people need such treatments because they are pushing themselves to extreme levels of exercise. I still think moderation is best, especially over the long haul. While muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness are both extremely important, the authors basically ignore range of motion and joint-strengthening exercises. This seems to be common in today's exercise books. Without strong joints and a pain-free range of motion (as opposed to often-painful stretching), strong muscles and marathon-like stamina may only fool a person into thinking they are "fit", only to find their joints creaking as they age.
Another point that may be off-putting to some readers is Chris' (admittedly) effusive praise for "real" athletes, such as some of his skiing friends. He doesn't include himself in this category, though. Many of the people he cites are in their 70's and 80's, so yes, they are truly impressive and they can be inspiring to all of us. But, I think this part of the book may cause some readers to even wonder why they should bother to start exercising, since they have no intention of reaching that level of competitive skill. Nor do you need ultra-expensive bikes. Fitness is, in my opinion, a consistent, life-long pursuit; a goal that can be reached every day, in moderation and with enjoyment. Being fit and healthy throughout one's life is not the same as being an "athlete" and is, in my opinion, a far better goal. Former Olympic Champions and professional athletes don't necessarily live any longer than the rest of us "mere mortals", nor are they always as fit and healthy, once they retire.
To sum up, I think this book can be a great motivator for people who know they need to make some changes in their life. Harry and Chris can definitely convince and inspire you to start making those changes and they offer you some concrete guidelines on how to start. There is a Younger Next Year website and Chris has an interesting blog, also.
On the other hand, my main concern is that some people who read this book may feel that it is way beyond them, so they won't bother to make any changes. That would be too bad. There is a huge gap (26.2 miles, in fact) between sitting on the couch all day and running a marathon. If you would like some alternative - and much easier - approaches to life-long health and strength training, I recommend "Sitting Kills, Moving Heals", by Dr. Joan Vernikos, "Chiang's Exercise", by Kam Chiang and "The Fat Old Man's Guide to Health and Fitness", 3rd Edition, by Marc Bonis. I believe these 3 books correctly demonstrate that you can be fit and healthy for life, with just enough time and effort required to fit a few, well-chosen exercises into your daily life.
January 9, 2013
It is rare to write about a book years after it was originally published unless it is one that changed lives for better and for good. Three years ago a friend gave me a copy of Younger Next Year with a note “you must read this.” It turned out I was to be just one in the succession of the book’s owners because, after reading, I too passed it on to another close friend. My note was a bit longer: “you must read it, especially now that you’ve turned 50.”
Younger Next Year is written as a dialogue between Henry Lodge, an American GP, and Chris Crowley, his one-time patient. Entering retirement, Crowley “let himself go,” and promptly found he could no longer do things he always enjoyed. As a retired lawyer he had the money, and the time, but his body started to give up. Lodge showed him how it didn’t need to be so, and offered a “get your life back” program. Crowley took it up and bounced back so vigorously both men decided to write a book about it all.
Their central theme is simple: aging is natural, deterioration is not. There is a lot we can do to age gracefully and to avoid deterioration, and the key things are stopping to eat rubbish and exercise daily. This is nothing new, I hear you say, and you’re right. We all know what to do, we just don’t do it enough.
Younger Next Year offers an inspiring program how to stop, perhaps even reverse the biological clock of your body, and it does it in a no-nonsense and highly readable way. It’s not about a new fitness fad or another miracle diet. I can attest to that because I’ve been following its suggestion ever since that first memorable read.
My ski and mountain biking companion had just turned 61 and though I am 15 years his junior I can never keep up with him. I told him I look forward to being 61 so that I can be as fit as he is. You see, he is the guy who gave me the book.
Younger Next Year is written as a dialogue between Henry Lodge, an American GP, and Chris Crowley, his one-time patient. Entering retirement, Crowley “let himself go,” and promptly found he could no longer do things he always enjoyed. As a retired lawyer he had the money, and the time, but his body started to give up. Lodge showed him how it didn’t need to be so, and offered a “get your life back” program. Crowley took it up and bounced back so vigorously both men decided to write a book about it all.
Their central theme is simple: aging is natural, deterioration is not. There is a lot we can do to age gracefully and to avoid deterioration, and the key things are stopping to eat rubbish and exercise daily. This is nothing new, I hear you say, and you’re right. We all know what to do, we just don’t do it enough.
Younger Next Year offers an inspiring program how to stop, perhaps even reverse the biological clock of your body, and it does it in a no-nonsense and highly readable way. It’s not about a new fitness fad or another miracle diet. I can attest to that because I’ve been following its suggestion ever since that first memorable read.
My ski and mountain biking companion had just turned 61 and though I am 15 years his junior I can never keep up with him. I told him I look forward to being 61 so that I can be as fit as he is. You see, he is the guy who gave me the book.
December 23, 2016
I do not normally read self-help books but this one was given to me by one of my clients so I gave it a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It not only confirmed much of what I already knew myself, that exercise slows and can actually turn back the aging process for people in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond, but it also gives the science behind the theory. In fact the book, which is written by two authors, a 70 year old lawyer and an M.D., is written in an interesting manner. They each take turns at alternating chapters. The lawyer will write a chapter on how exercise slows a particular aspect of aging, then the M.D. gives you the science behind the claims in the chapter. The book is also written with a good dose of humor which had me laughing out loud a couple of times. I don't agree with everything in the book, mind you. Early in the book they seem (and maybe it's just the way I read it.) to insist that if you don't exercise "seriously" 6 days a week then you just wasting your time. Like I said, maybe it's just the way I read it but I don't necessarily agree with that. As a personal trainer, if I can get my client to exercise two days a week, that's better then nothing. Overall though I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. I agree with it way more than I disagree with and I will be recommending it to all my clients over 50.
November 23, 2016
Yikes... Why on earth would my friend give me this book, when I'm already fit, and have worked out and enjoyed playing sports since I was a kid!... Hmmm, must be all my complaining about aches and pains, and answering the queries: "Are you limping?" with "No, That's just the way I walk now."... And that my mid-fifties snuck up on me.
This tag-team authorship of an older retired guy and his younger doctor buddy offered up a nice mix of physiology and practical implementation to both lifestyle and exercise regimen that actually had me changing my gym routine the day after I finished the book. I think that that combination created the perfect incentive and rationale to tweak things like 'for weightlifting, if you do anything, do quadriceps work', or 'do aerobics (painful as it is) at least 4 times a week'.
For me, the most helpful piece of knowledge was that weights (my preference) help you enjoy life and activities more, but aerobic exercise (the bane of my existence) helps you live longer... so I realize that I must do the sweaty work too... Sad but glad to now know. Getting older doesn't always have to mean getting old... good to know too ;o)
This tag-team authorship of an older retired guy and his younger doctor buddy offered up a nice mix of physiology and practical implementation to both lifestyle and exercise regimen that actually had me changing my gym routine the day after I finished the book. I think that that combination created the perfect incentive and rationale to tweak things like 'for weightlifting, if you do anything, do quadriceps work', or 'do aerobics (painful as it is) at least 4 times a week'.
For me, the most helpful piece of knowledge was that weights (my preference) help you enjoy life and activities more, but aerobic exercise (the bane of my existence) helps you live longer... so I realize that I must do the sweaty work too... Sad but glad to now know. Getting older doesn't always have to mean getting old... good to know too ;o)
October 29, 2022
A wonderful book on staying fit and active in the retirement years. Not only the expected diet and exercise advice, but also chapters on staying engaged with a purpose, developing and maintaining relationships, addressing spiritual needs, and learning to be a person that matters when the work life is over. All important factors to thriving in the last third of life.
March 9, 2024
Extremely helpful book! Written for men over 50, but the concepts should be adopted by everyone. Principle number one: exercise 6 days a week for at least 45 minutes. Number 2: don't eat fast food and junk.
March 11, 2012
I was really excited when I found this book at the library. Once I cracked it open, I realized it's written for men of retirement age. Did that stop me from reading it? No.
June 9, 2015
Typical advice. Exercise regularly and eat properly. I liked the perspective of growing or decaying.
March 21, 2016
Healthy advice, nothing we don't all know eat right exercise, make smart choices, don't get stale
March 15, 2018
There are great ideas here for staying younger, along with the science to back them up. I am motivated to start following most of the advice in this book.
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