Summary

Explores all aspects of health as men reach middle age and beyond.

As they reach middle age, most men begin looking forward to "what's next." They gear up to experience renewed productivity and purpose and are more conscious of their health. A Man's Guide to Healthy Aging is an authoritative resource for them, and for older men, as well. In collaboration with a variety of medical experts, the authors provide a comprehensive guide to healthy aging from a man's perspective.

Edward H. Thompson, Jr., and Lenard W. Kaye--a medical sociologist and a gerontologist and social worker--offer invaluable information in four parts:
* "Managing Our Lives" describes the actions men can take to stay healthy. Here is information about how to eat well, reduce stress, and stay active for better overall health.
* "Mind and Body" considers how physical health and state of mind are connected. It explores sleep, drug and alcohol use, spirituality, and attitudes about appearance--and explains how all of these factors affect mental health.
* "Bodily Health" examines how body systems function and what changes may occur as men age. It covers the body from head to toe and reviews how to manage chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions.
* "Living with Others" shows the importance of interacting with friends and family. Topics include sexual intimacy, friendship, and caregiving, as well as how men can make the best decisions about end-of-life issues for themselves and their loved ones.

Refuting the ageist stereotype that men spend their later years "winding down," this book will help men reinvent themselves once, twice, or more--by managing their health, creating new careers, and contributing their skills and experiences to their communities.

Publisher's Weekly Review

College of the Holy Cross medical sociologist Thompson and University of Maine gerontologist and professor of social work Kaye offer a helpful, upbeat guide that covers major health problems, preventative care, and social and spiritual concerns that contribute to good health. The authors have vetted the text with numerous medical professionals and base their discussions on extensive research. They begin with chapters devoted to health management, emphasizing the importance of staying active, eating healthy food, and maintaining social connections. Moderation of alcohol consumption, eliminating tobacco use, and developing spiritual practices are also repeatedly suggested as preventative measures. Alongside obvious subjects like cancer and heart disease, the authors discuss sexuality, holistic medicine, retirement, and caregiving. They conclude with a discussion of end-of-life matters, such as wills and advance directives. Though there is no discussion of vegetarian diets, for instance, and coverage of diseases is limited to the most common ones, this is a valuable resource for all middle-aged and older men. 51 b&w illus. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Library Journal Review

Starred Review. Thompson (emeritus, sociology, Coll. of the Holy Cross) and gerontologist Kaye (sociology, director, Center of Aging, Univ. of Maine) outline detailed information that is important to men who want to age well. Areas covered include staying active, changes in the mind and body, cognitive health, diabetes, sleep, and other areas of bodily health. (LJ 10/15/13) (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.