When we are children, we can’t wait to grow up, play with the “big guys”, and enjoy the privileges that come with accumulated years of age.

It doesn’t take long before we are we looking back on our years of youth with deep longing, working hard and paying plenty to stall (or at least hide) the age progression, and wishing that Ponce de León had truly found the fountain of youth!

So, it will be no surprise to you that the title of the book, “Younger Next Year“, caught my attention. I don’t know where I picked it up, but it has been sitting on my shelf for a few years, and this week I decided to read it through. Since it was open on the table (with only a hypothetical need for the content!), my husband read it too.

Two men co-wrote the book – a doctor, Henry S. Lodge, M.D., and his patient/friend, Chris Cowley.  They combine scientific knowledge and motivation into a 7 point training routine that they claim can put off the typical effects of aging and provide health and energy for life into the 80’s and 90’s.

Harry’s Rules are:

1. Exercise six days a week for the the rest of your life.
2. Do serious aerobic exercise four days a week for the rest of your life.
3. Do serious strength training, with weights, two days a week for the rest of your life.
4. Spend less than you make.
5. Quit eating crap!
6. Care.
7. Connect and commit.

I did not enjoy the “tone” of the book that much. I did not agree with some of the scientific basis, and the book has a to-the-boys, “locker-room” communication style. On the other hand, their rules challenge me, and I see great value it all of them. I especially appreciate how physical, financial, and relational elements share space on the list. A disciplined application of these rules could definitely add years to a person’s life.

How about you? Do you long for younger days? What are you doing to “stay” young?