Younger Next Year


Would you like to be younger next year? According to Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. you can be younger next year. In the book they co-authored, Younger Next Year, the emphasis is on taking care of yourself as you age. Chris is funny and entertaining as he relates to the reader how to age gracefully. Harry, ( Dr. Lodge) supplies all the scientific knowledge and facts concerning aging. It really does not matter what age you are. Younger Next Year is a lifestyle program that may change your life. I found out about this book last fall when I was called to jury duty.

After the trial was over, the judge asked me to remain in the courtroom. I was puzzled, but the mystery was solved when the judge and court stenographer spoke to me concerning fitness. Evidently I stood out as being in very good physical condition. I had also mentioned on the jury card, my hobbies: Running and working out, along with living a healthy lifestyle. The judge said he, too, ran, but a friend told him about a book, Younger Next Year. It seems seniors need to do more than aerobic exercise. Since the judge was about to turn into the sixth decade he was curious what I did to stay healthy and wanted to tell me about this book.

I checked my local bookstore and although they did not have it in stock, they could order it for me. I learned there are two books. The original Younger Next Year, is more for men. The other, written about a year later is for women. I ordered one of each. I read Younger Next Year for men first. I was impressed. I have since read the pink women’s version many times. It keeps me motivated, and I learned I have been doing something right for several decades.

Chris Crowley explains why high impact, such as running, may cause injury as we age. Dr. Henry Lodge expands even more on this. This information caused me to stop the running and walk briskly. Chris explains how biking can be a healing exercise. I now bike every other day. Strength training is key in this program. I have always done some strength training but now I make sure I do at least the minimal amount required. According to Chris, working out is our job in retirement, one we need to take seriously if we want to remain active and vital. I don’t know about you but aging gracefully has always been my priority. I want to remain well and active into old age. My Real Age is more important to me than the biological age.

Could weight training programs help the elderly in nursing homes? According to Chris, a study was done in a nursing home. All the residents were put on a weight training program, including the residents on walkers and even the bed-ridden patients. It seemed like a miracle… all improved! The residents on walkers became strong enough to use a cane. The bedridden progressed to walkers. Age didn’t seem to matter. Even those in their nineties improved. Evidently the older you are the more you may benefit from lifting weights on a regular basis. It seems to stop and reverse the signs of old age. A weight training program may be essential to the well being of the elderly.

It is also interesting how the book Younger Next Year developed. Chris was a patient of Harry’s. After a routine check-up, Harry explained to Chris that even though he was in good shape for his seventh decade, theoretically he could be younger next year. Harry explained to Chris how this could be accomplished. Chris has always been an avid skier and loves to bike on the open roads. The only part he had not done was the weight lifting. Chris ran with Harry’s idea and basically that is how the book developed.

This book can change your life. It changed mine. I not only read the book daily, I also keep the Younger Next Year journal to keep track of my workouts. I share this knowledge with many people but it seems only a few take it seriously enough to make a difference in their lives. It is not just a book about exercise. Harry and Chris cover all the aspects of aging. Aging can be beautiful. Buy the book and see for yourself.

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This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat anyone. Until next time I am wishing for you, good health.

Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com