ECONOGAL

Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan by Maddy Dychtwald with Kate Hanley is a self-help book with tremendous insights. Certainly, it helps that Maddy Dychtwald is an integral part of Age Wave along with husband Ken. Her access to various experts enriches the text.

My favorite chapters in the guide are chapters four through six and chapter ten. Chapter Four is Fitness 2.0, the Silver Bullet. Exercise runs the gamut from stretching to marathons and triathlons. The connecting thread is movement. In this chapter the health benefits of staying fit are documented.

Chapter Five: Food is Fuel, Food is Medicine, Food is Pleasure covers the “why, what and when of eating” p. 102. Thus, good nutrition is at the forefront. Various “diets” are discussed as well as intermittent fasting. Plus, charts are provided showing the benefits of each type of diet. Finally, the Ageless Aging hacks at the end of the chapter provide tips for healthy eating.

Since good sleep still eludes me, I read Chapter Six: The Magic of Sleep out of order. It worked the first night and I hope to repeat the feat.

But the most important chapter to me was Chapter 10.

One of the key tenets of Ageless Aging is well-being for the individual. Purpose, having a meaningful life, and social connections with family and friends all factor into mental and physical wellness. One section hit home… Kindness Fosters Social Fitness. The author’s statement “Giving kindness reduces cortisol, blood pressure, and premature causes of death” (p. 248) is backed by three documented studies. Purpose provides meaning for life. And the social connections exceed an escape from loneliness. Connecting with people stimulates the brain too. Many problems in today’s society could be solved with purpose, connections, and above all showing kindness to others.

Even though Ageless Aging is geared toward older women, I think all ages could benefit from reading the information. The financial chapter especially has great tips for women regardless of age. The book is well researched and provided new-to-me tips for healthier living. I have added this guide to my great gifts list. Find a copy today!