Throughout the book, they explore “Major Agers” – their term for 14 biological processes that control your rate of aging. In their view, you don’t have to feel old just because you’re becoming older. They argue that if we address key processes with the right strategies we have the power to create not only long lives but also bodies that remain strong up until the end of those lives.

They offer numerous tips for keeping your body working vibrantly, even though you’re getting older. As I read through their suggestions, I was struck by the number of strategies which once were associated with “alternative” health but now have been welcomed into the mainstream of American medicine.

I also noticed how many of their graceful aging suggestions incorporated tried and true strategies for increasing work-life energy and productivity at any age. Among them are these suggestions that not only might promote health later in your life, but also could bring you new energy as you enter 2008:

• Exercise. Working out not only is good for your heart, but it also is an elixir for your mind. The doctors recommend that you walk at least 30 minutes a day, do a weights and stretching workout a couple times a week, and also once or twice a week choose an exercise, like yoga or singles tennis, that requires your mind to work.
  
  
• Be a learner. Your brain needs a workout, just like the rest of your body. When you push yourself to learn new things you build new neural connections that could be helpful when you are at work. And at the same time you reduce the risk that you’ll develop memory-related problems.
  
  
• Manage anger. Anger doesn’t help anybody. It’s bad for your health and can create all kinds of problems. But reject the outdated anger management strategy of “letting it rip.” Expressing your anger may actually make you feel even madder. Instead, acknowledge to yourself that you’re feeling anger. Then work on feeling empathy for the target of your angry thoughts.
  
  
• Relax. Stress is a major biological driver of aging. In the short term it can ruin your sleep and wear you down. Consider these approaches to managing stress:
  
  

  Do yoga.  The doctors say it “could very well be the ultimate de-stress technique.”  It lowers blood pressure and heart rate, decreases stress hormones and increases relaxation hormones. Tend pets and plants.  You can reduce your stress level by introducing green plants or pets into your home. Chop big pieces into small ones.  When you’re facing a seemingly insurmountable task, break the unmanageable project into a series of more manageable smaller ones. Make plans.  Uncertainty is a big cause of stress.  You may feel better if you develop a regular schedule and use lists and calendars to carefully track your upcoming responsibilities.  And while you’re making lists, keep a nightly “gratitude journal” where you write down things that you appreciate.

  
  
• Breathe deep and meditate. Meditation and deep breathing may help modify the messages sent from your gut and the rest of your body to your brain. By managing these messages you can support biological activities throughout your body, helping you to do everything from improving your memory to bolstering your immune system. A simple way to meditate is to repeat a word over and over in your mind, giving yourself a break from distracting thoughts. Just five minutes a day of simple meditation can make a difference in your life.