Healthy Aging by Andrew Weil

Andrew Weil is one of the most outspoken proponents of combing traditional Western and alternative medicine under the concept of “integrative medicine.” In Healthy Aging, he challenges the idea that old age has to be a time of decline and chronic illness. He also attacks physicians and other professionals who are selling longevity products and programs, anti-aging medicine and other products that claim to extend life.

In the beginning of the book, Dr. Weil explains the aging process and discusses the potential of so-called anti-aging medicine. He concludes that the goal should be to increase the number of healthy years a person lives, not simply the total number of years. To do this, each individual must adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The second part of the book reviews various aspects of life and gives advice on how to obtain maximum health in each area. Dr. Weil’s justifications and explanations are good, though some of the advice may be difficult or impractical to follow for the average reader. His presentation of an anti-inflammatory diet, for example, is more of a review of the principles behind the diet than a program for people to adopt.

Overall this is an excellent book on healthy aging. The advice is medically sound, the overview on aging is clear and understandable and the tone is friendly and personal.

More Longevity and Healthy Aging Book Reviews