Further Reading

Our scientists suggest the following resources for those interested in learning more about healthy aging.

 

Suggested Books

Aging: The Longevity Dividend

In this book, the authors consider the socioeconomic benefits and costs of delayed aging and also outline directions for future research and translational efforts. This volume can serve as a vital reference for all involved in the fields of geroscience and geriatric medicine, as well as anyone wishing to understand physiological processes that generate health and disease, regardless of chronological age.

Learn more about this book.

Why We Age: What Science Is Discovering about the Body's Journey through Life

A leading expert on aging, Dr. Austad presents a full picture of the new understanding of what aging is, why it happens, and—most provocatively—whether it can be controlled. Drawing on the latest developments in such fields as evolutionary biology, comparative zoology, anthropology, and basic medical research, Austad surveys and synthesizes an enormous amount of material. He explores the basic concept of longevity and the various ways we measure it, and analyzes the claims of greatly extended lifetimes—as well as our eagerness to believe them.

Learn more about this book.

A Means to an End: The Biological Basis of Aging and Death

Noted cell biologist William R. Clark describes how senescence begins at the level of individual cells and how cellular replication may be bound up with aging of the entire organism. He explores the evolutionary origin and function of aging, the cellular connections between aging and cancer, the parallels between cellular senescence and Alzheimer’s disease, and the insights gained through studying human genetic disorders–such as Werner’s syndrome–that mimic the symptoms of aging. Clark also explains how reduction in caloric intake may actually help increase lifespan, and how the destructive effects of oxidative elements in the body may be limited by the consumption of antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Clark considers the social and economic aspects of living longer, the implications of gene therapy on senescence, and what we might learn about aging from experiments in cloning.

Learn more about this book.

Read a review by OFAS Symposium 2017 Keynote speaker George M. Martin.

Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age

In Disrupt Aging, Jenkins focuses on three core areas—health, wealth, and self—to show her readers how to embrace opportunities and change the way they look at getting older. Here, she chronicles her own journey and that of others who are making their mark as disruptors to show readers how they can be active, healthy, and happy as they get older. Jenkins touches on all the important issues facing people 50+ today, from caregiving and mindful living to building age-friendly communities and making their money last.

Learn more about this book.

Low Fertility and Population Aging in Japan and Eastern Asia

This book provides a unique comparative view of the extremely low fertility and drastic population aging in Eastern Asian countries. After discussing demographic and political developments of Japan in detail as a reference case, accelerated changes in Korea, Taiwan and China are interpreted with a comparative cultural view. In addition to the well-known cultural divide between countries with strong and weak family ties, this book proposes another divide between offspring of the feudal family and that of the Confucian family.

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Triumphs of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study

Reporting on all aspects of male life, including relationships, politics and religion, coping strategies, and alcohol use (its abuse being by far the greatest disruptor of health and happiness for the study’s subjects), Triumphs of Experience shares a number of surprising findings. For example, the people who do well in old age did not necessarily do so well in midlife, and vice versa. While the study confirms that recovery from a lousy childhood is possible, memories of a happy childhood are a lifelong source of strength. Marriages bring much more contentment after age 70, and physical aging after 80 is determined less by heredity than by habits formed prior to age 50. The credit for growing old with grace and vitality, it seems, goes more to ourselves than to our stellar genetic makeup.

Learn more about this book.

Handbook of Nutrition in the Aged

The combination of the aging baby-boomer generation and their increased longevity has been fortunately met with increased research and greater understanding of health promotion and disease prevention in the elderly. Handbook of Nutrition in the Aged: Fourth Edition shares these groundbreaking insights and serves as a guide to better understand health problems that occur in aging adults and the nutritional therapies that are proven to fight and prevent them.

Learn more about this book.

Geriatric Nutrition: The Health Professional's Handbook

Updated to keep pace with changes in the field, Geriatric Nutrition: The Health Professional’s Handbook, Fourth Edition, offers you an authoritative reference to help you understand the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health, the management of chronic conditions, and the treatment of serious illness. The Fourth Edition of this best-selling text provides a comprehensive review of nutritional assessment, intervention programs for the elderly, and health promotion activities.

Learn more about this book.

Suggested Articles and Links

Healthy Eating After 50

Eating a variety of foods from each food group will help you get the nutrients you need. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) describes healthy eating patterns.

What's On Your Plate?

Your body needs nutrients to survive and stay healthy. There are five main types—proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, and water. What does each of these nutrients do in your body? What foods are they found in?

Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily—most often bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. Osteoporosis is called the “silent disease”—because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years.

Nutrition for Seniors

Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Studies show that a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.

Eating Well As You Get Older

Eating well is vital for everyone at all ages. Whatever your age, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel.

Nutrition for Older Persons

Older persons are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. Moreover, attempts to provide them with adequate nutrition encounter many practical problems.

Older Individuals

For and about seniors, find resources on healthy eating, nutritional challenges related to aging, food safety issues, Meals on Wheels, and other assistance programs.