As they reach middle age, most men begin looking forward to “what’s next.” They gear up to experience renewed productivity and purpose and are more conscious of their health. A Man’s Guide to Healthy Aging is an authoritative resource for them, and for older men, as well. In collaboration with a variety of medical experts, the authors provide a comprehensive guide to healthy aging from a man’s perspective. Edward H. Thompson, Jr., and Lenard W. Kaye – a medical sociologist and a gerontologist and social worker – offer invaluable information in four parts: “Managing Our Lives” describes the actions men can take to stay healthy. Here is information about how to eat well, reduce stress, and stay active for better overall health; “Mind and Body” considers how physical health and state of mind are connected. It explores sleep, drug and alcohol use, spirituality, and attitudes about appearance-and explains how all of these factors affect mental health; “Bodily Health” examines how body systems function and what changes may occur as men age. It covers the body from head to toe and reviews how to manage chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions; and “Living with Others” shows the importance of interacting with friends and family. Topics include sexual intimacy, friendship, and caregiving, as well as how men can make the best decisions about end-of-life issues for themselves and their loved ones. Refuting the ageist stereotype that men spend their later years “winding down,” this book will help men reinvent themselves once, twice, or more-by managing their health, creating new careers, and contributing their skills and experiences to their communities.
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Mr_Wonderful –
as advertised
Mowzer –
Excellent book for the over sixties male.
John D. Markson –
Informative.
Amazon Customer –
Ordered it to use as a textbook for a course on “Men and Aging.” Based on American research. Otherwise good, practical and makes a nice gift for a man when the student is done the course.
Pat Stephan –
Since those of us who would be interested in such a topic probably think that we already know everything, we may find some content of this book obvious and reinforcement to what we already know. On the other hand, the authors have contributors who are experts in their fields and have seen a broader spectrum of experiences give their best advice which should be useful in a broad range of topics.
One interesting approach in the book is to use bulleted highlights for courses of action or improvements in dealing with various topics and situations.
It will take a while to get through the entire book, but I am picking topics of current interest and look forward to finishing the book in coming weeks.
ACB(swansea) –
I have had this comprehensive book on health and man’s aging for several months, both as a hopefully average susceptible man and a medical physician. The chapters are arranged as follows:
1) Managing Our bodies: focussing on exercise, nutrition and stress. Guidelines on activity, healthy eating and relaxation are run through with common sense reinforcing the variables of what might happen if we ignore them. I take issue with the physical and screening health schedule for the over 50’s. This is not only impractical but largely unnecessary. In the healthy individual with no risk factors, a yearly general physical examination plus screening for heart disease, rectal examinations and tests for tuberculosis have no evidence basis. Cholesterol and blood pressure are grey areas. However, much of the other general advice is sensible.
2) Mind and Body: A discussion of the importance of sleep with a treatise on the problems and benefits of medication for specific ailments with the added concerns of alcohol excess. A holistic medical approach is welcome.
3) Bodily Health: Something of an ‘in your face’ exposition of what may happen to men as they age with advice on reducing the risks. It is important to read this with the intent on gaining knowledge without the fear factor. The subject matter is dealt with in a sensitive manner. Obviously, we are aware of the downside of the general effects of smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, but also it includes prostatic problems and when to seek professional help. Degenerative age-related health of cognitive (brain), bone, vision, hearing and cancer are presented in a form of awareness. Preventive measures are always the message, quite sensibly, as a reductive risk programme.
4) Living With Others: This important aspect of ageism is related to social interaction, sexual relations, retirement issues and the oft-avoided thoughts of end-of-life matters. I found this of particular interest as they are inevitable topics that may be unpleasant but are 100% there. They are discussed sensitively.
This has taken me awhile to review. It is, as stated, comprehensive and full of common sense and information that we are exposed to in media format, albeit often in sensational and contrary forms. This is fully referenced. It is a book to be picked up as a reference item. Apart from male specific topics, it is just as applicable to the wonderful female gender of our species. A recommended purchase.
Paul 1946 –
I am not all that far into this tome but it covers a wide variety of aging issues and information I don’t get from my doctor during my routine visits. I think reading this will help me get more out of my regular visits to my doctor in the future. At age 68, I am always waking up with some new stuff that I find annoying and have found several of the explanations very helpful. I helps separate the normal from the abnormal I wish I could have had access to this book in my 40’s. Every man and concerned spouses should read this book.