Defy Aging

Michael Brickey, PhD
New Resources Press (2000)
ISBN 0970155506
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)

“Defy Aging” is a very comprehensive book that covers every aspect that this reviewer could ever think of about how to live a longer, healthier and happier life. Brickey gives you exercises to help show you how.  Our life expectancy is increasing; we have better access to resources and medicine today.  If we are living longer, then we want to improve the quality of our lives so that we can enjoy this extra time.

Brickey investigated the traits that people have who have lived over 100 years.  In addition to positive mental attitudes, he found three common areas.  These people have all stayed physically active, few are smokers and they have all managed to maintain their weight over the course of their life.  When thinking about longevity, I used to think that it just required some good vitamins and a healthy diet.  Brickey showed me that there is so much more involved.  Even having a healthy sex live is an important part of longevity. Having my finances in order is another important aspect.  It is not only unhealthy to be financially unstable, but we also need our finances in order so that we can afford to live longer.

Brickey includes a self-test so that you can find out where you are right now.  I did pretty well on it, but see areas that I need to improve on.  As I read the rest of the book, I was able to keep these areas in mind and really focus on what I could do to follow his suggestions on making improvements. 

It is really important to maintain a positive attitude and be optimistic about the future.  Continuing to learn is great for the mind.  We also need to maintain a sense of purpose.  Of course, exercise and diet are also discussed and extremely important.  On a positive note, if we do the work that needs to be done to live longer, we also will have richer, fuller lives.  Quality not just quantity is very important.  I think that having a positive, healthy lifestyle will also keep us from being alone because more people, including family, will enjoy being around us.

“Defy Aging” is a very important book for all adults to read.  There is no cut off age for this book.  If you are a young adult, you can start working on improving your lifestyle now.  You will stand a greater chance of taking these healthy habits into your older years.  If you are already advanced in years, you can still start applying these practices.  It is never too late to work starting a healthy lifestyle and developing a positive mental outlook on life. 

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