Editorial Review
"I have lost 50 pounds over the last nine months by eating less, moving more, and changing the way I think. I am 62 and look better and feel better and have more energy than in the last 15 years."—Ron T.
" I read the wisdom put forth by Chris and Harry . . . [and] my next physical blew my doctor away. I am 74 and in better shape than when I was 50."—Jack S.
"Not a week goes by that I do not utter a silent prayer of thanks that
Younger Next Year came into my life. You guys are saving the world one body at a time."—T. G.
Announcing the paperback edition of
Younger Next Year, the
New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and
Publishers Weekly bestseller, co-written by one of the country’s most prominent internists, Dr. Henry "Harry" Lodge, and his star patient, the 73-year-old Chris Crowley. These are the books that show us how to turn back our biological clocks—how to put off 70% of the normal problems of aging (weakness, sore joints, bad balance) and eliminate 50% of serious illness and injury. The key to the program is found in Harry's Rules: Exercise six days a week. Don't eat crap. Connect and commit to others. There are seven rules all together, based on the latest findings in cell physiology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and experimental psychology. Dr. Lodge explains how and why they work—and Chris Crowley, who is living proof of their effectiveness (skiing better today, for example, than he did twenty years ago), gives the just-as-essential motivation.
Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond.
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Customer Reviews
Younger Next Year 
2008-08-17
I enjoyed this book very much. I've always been an exercise enthusiast, and my traditional thoughts were that if I were exercising 3 to 4 times a week, I was doing great! Now, I'm committed to exercising at least 6 days a week! I will run, ride, swim, or do resistance training at least 6 days a week from now on! The book really rationalized the purpose for exercise for me and it will for you too!
No Exercise "Fence Sitting" Allowed 
2008-07-19
The difference with this book is that the authors recommend exercise with evangelical fervor AND give hold-your-hand, even comedic, instructions and wisdom. But their homespun approach does not hide the fact that they are dead serious.
The book does refer to some studies, but basically the authors humorously and seriously deal with the physical "decay" of aging. And, yes, they discuss sex. No research studies are footnoted. I just assume they think the reader would not be interested; besides, who can tell if the research was correctly done? Nevertheless, why don't the authors just say, "Science aside, these are our best opinions based on our philosophies and experiences of life--as it should be"? (Or something similar.)
You can't tell from the book's title that the latter chapters deal with the emotional-social side of aging, which they straight-forwardly face. To me this is the best section of the book.
Even though one author is a doctor he makes dietary recommendations that not all health advocates would agree with--even the respected contrarian (to some) viewpoints of, let's say, The Weston A. Price Foundation. (Check it out; it's a dot org.)
The authors don't seem to realize that some older (50-plus) persons can do few of the exercises they push. Some of their recommended exercises can be more easily followed if, for example, their readers get biannual knee injections of synovial fluid (paid for by Medicare for those 65-plus) or take a glucosamine-chondroitin combo tablet to lessen the pain of arthritis. (The latter supplement can take up to six months to be effective or not at all, and often gives a constant upset stomach/gas and too-frequent soft stools--did me, so I quit it, but some friends swear by it.) Exercise, alone, does not always lessen the pain from this condition. Nevertheless, "...this book has one core message--either you grow [in strength, i.e., exercise] or you decay" (p. 216). And I can add (p. 112): "We are not tired at the end of the day because we get too much exercise. We are tired because we do not get enough." We may also be tired from not getting enough quality sleep, which they don't address--check out a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine; the new ones are super quiet.
To some extent, I do not appreciate the rah!-rah! approach of the authors. Maybe that style, in part, is to compensate for the fact that they lauded the book as being based on solid scientific research, but present no data.
According to the authors, exercising together can also strengthen the tie that binds you to your partner, will turn your relationship around, and rah!-rah! on they go. To use an altered hackneyed phrase: "Those who exercise together, stay together." But keeping in good physical shape doesn't depend on a marriage or some other tie, whether it binds or not. Relationships that no longer work (even after counseling) are detrimental to either partners' overall health. No science from me here, either; just common sense--sort of like parts of their book.
To sum the book up too simply:
1. To keep, regain or get good health, you should exercise (fast walk, for example) for 45-minutes six times a week for the rest of your life.
2. To be happy you should be socially-emotionally connected; preferably intimately.
That does sound a little too humdrum. The book is more interesting and certainly worth a read.
A FINAL NOTE: I HOPE YOUR BOOK HOLDS TOGETHER BETTER THAN MINE. EVEN WITH GENTLE HANDLING THE PAGES STARTED FALLING OUT--APPARENTLY A GLUE-SPINE PROBLEM.
An entertaining read and good for you, too. 2008-07-18
A very well-written agenda on diet, exercise, and outlook for those of us no longer in our youthful 40s. It's enjoyable because it is not a diet book or an exercise book. It is a personal philosophy interestingly told by an ardent advocate and backed up with enough science to validate his prescriptions for living a healthy and robust life into your 80s. Told from a male perspective, but applicable to female readers. I believe there's a female version out, but I haven't read it.
Life changing book...if you can follow it's advise 2008-07-15
I've ussally don't like this kind of health nut book., but something about the couple of except pages sounds interesting. but this is one of the best I've ever read. (not really saying much there)
This is interesting , it talks about how and why people age. and how exercise at certain level will work. I took the advise and joined a gym. exercise 5 times a week. If nothing else, I'd surprise myself with what I'm capable now vs 6 weeks ago.
I'd like it so much , I bought 5 books and gave it to family and friends and the "for women" version for my wife.
This book is for everybody that is serious about a change. and for people that were at one time or another in their life an active person.
If you were never an active person. it might just completely go over your head.
The target audience is for retirees, I'm 43 and find out if I start to do all those things now, I'll be way ahead of the curve!
Interesting if you can stomach the evolutionary BS 
2008-07-05
It has been long known that exercising is good for you. This book drills that message home. I found it somewhat entertaining but also found the constant references to evolution to be very disappointing and I consider that portion total and utter BS. Still worth $5 though.
Compelling reasons to get fit. 2008-07-03
"I have lost 50 pounds over the last nine months by eating less, moving more, and changing the way I think. I am 62 and look better and feel better and have more energy than in the last 15 years."—Ron T.
" I read the wisdom put forth by Chris and Harry . . . [and] my next physical blew my doctor away. I am 74 and in better shape than when I was 50."—Jack S.
"Not a week goes by that I do not utter a silent prayer of thanks that
Younger Next Year came into my life. You guys are saving the world one body at a time."—T. G.
Announcing the paperback edition of
Younger Next Year, the
New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and
Publishers Weekly bestseller, co-written by one of the country’s most prominent internists, Dr. Henry "Harry" Lodge, and his star patient, the 73-year-old Chris Crowley. These are the books that show us how to turn back our biological clocks—how to put off 70% of the normal problems of aging (weakness, sore joints, bad balance) and eliminate 50% of serious illness and injury. The key to the program is found in Harry's Rules: Exercise six days a week. Don't eat crap. Connect and commit to others. There are seven rules all together, based on the latest findings in cell physiology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and experimental psychology. Dr. Lodge explains how and why they work—and Chris Crowley, who is living proof of their effectiveness (skiing better today, for example, than he did twenty years ago), gives the just-as-essential motivation.
Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond.
Drinking from the Real Fountain of Youth! 2008-06-14
This is an excellent upbeat book that needed to be written. I have always believed that exercise was the key to a happy life...and potentially a long one.
Looking around at the pains people have who do not exercise regularly convinced me that the small price of keeping in shape was well worth feeling great!
Henry Lodge and Chris Crowley have reinforced the ideas I have had for decades, provided new food for thought and encouragement about the importance of keeping in shape.
I enjoyed the back and forth writing between Henry Lodge and Chris Crowley. Lodge does an excellent job explaining the benefits of lifelong healthy living and Crowley provides ways of keeping in shape. Crowley focuses primarily on the exercising that he does. He doesn't adequately address the tremendous number of other possibilities for keeping in shape...but this is a relatively minor shortcoming of the book in comparison to the books primary message of how to live healthy and happy for a long long...time.
Overall, a book that is greatly needed for anyone wanting to feel great and live healthy for a long time!
Don't shoot the messenger 2008-05-09
4.0 out of 5 stars Don't shoot the messenger, May 9, 2008
By David Smith "a 66 year old consumer"
My wife and I have believed for some time that exercise and diet are critical to good health. These books and audio-books kick started us toward a healthier retirement.
Written by an MD and his patient, the books offer Dr. Harry's scientific rationale for the proposed lifestyle without being too technical. The patient, Chris, comes off as a bit insensitive, elitist and chauvinistic, but his messages are worthwhile as he tells how he and others have turned their lives around with Dr. Harry's advice.
If you don't believe in evolution, you probably shouldn't buy these books. Much of the science is based on Darwin. If mild profanity or sarcasm offends you, you may have a hard time with Chris. Those looking for a magic solution to better health won't find it in these books. The books supply the logic, the work is up to the reader. People already leading a healthy lifestyle probably won't learn too much.
I've listened to both audio-books. I bought into the exercise early on and listen to the audios as I walk or bike. The men's is abridged and 7-1/2 hours, while the women's is unabridged and twice as long. I recommend listening to the men's audio and buying the women's book to flesh out certain points or concepts. The person reading Chris's part on the men's is easier to take than on the women's.
I've read many of the reader's reviews and find the negative ones fall into four groups. Some were looking for an easy solution and don't want to do the work the book suggests. Others were already leading healthy lifestyles or believe they are and didn't find anything revolutionary in the books. The third group was offended by Chris for a variety of reasons and refused to listen to his messages. The last group felt there should have been specific exercise recommendations. One of the points made by the book was that we need to vary our exercise in order to keep up interest and including all the possibilities would have made a very long book.
My only negative is in the quality of the audio. I found the men's version didn't play well on some of my CD players.
If you are over 50 you will find this book fascinating 2008-04-24
I found this book, recommended by my doctor (he tells all his patients over 50 to buy it), completely changed my mental approach to excercise. I went from a once a week excerciser to once a day.
Illuminating, funny, NOT LIKE YOUR NORMAL HOW TO BOOKS. Written by New Yorkers who are sympathetic to those who feel they can squeeze by in life without excercise.
I NEVER thought I would excercise like this, but I am a convert.
Younger Next Year 2008-04-24
I'm not a fan of self help books but had to read this for an assignment. It changed my life. I've given out 11 copies to family and friends. It's a grown up book that talks in a language of real life. It gives you a way to think about how to fight illness and live longer with a better quality of life, not just exsist!
