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Michael Roizen's "Real Age" is a New York Times #1 bestseller. He presents a credible approach to establishing a common denominator for dealing with issues of health - the vitality of mind and body. He makes a distinction between chronological age and real age - living and feeling younger or older. Our lifestyle choices do in fact impact on how our genes affect our health.
Roizen presents "an age reduction program that can make you live and feel up to 26 years younger". Many of us can readily identify with the fact that some 80 year olds are for all intents living the life of a 60 year old. Roizen identifies "44 scientifically proven steps that delay aging." Linking healthy life choices to aging is a more effective means of communication. When we weigh up having a pie against going
for a walk in right now right here, real age terms it brings greater clarity to the decision making process.
Roizen's 44 steps include 11 quick fixes. These include an aspirin a day, specified vitamin intake that runs counter to the usual one-a-day program, flossing and brushing teeth, safe driving, immunization and of course taking the Real Age program with a companion Age Reduction Plan.
The Age Reduction Plan includes things related to eating habits, exercise and a conscious monitoring of health issues. Interestingly, laughing and safe sex are right in there. Practicing Christians appear to have an inside track in the Age Reduction derby. Item 35 - Build Social Networks indicates that a support network can help prevent aging from excessive stress. The Real Age benefit is from 2-3 years younger. Jesus tells us to love our
neighbour as ourselves, meaning that what we want for ourselves we should try to get for others. In His infinite wisdom He understands that we need to be there for each other. Roizen suggests that 3 major life events in one year can have the effect of 30 years of aging in the absence of adequate coping strategies.
Helping others cope with life's challenges is a critical ministry for each and every believer. We need to develop our level of maturity so as to be ready for that ministry. People have to be able to trust our willingness to listen effectively and to treat matters confidentially. We need to absorb knowledge so that we can provide meaningful guidance and comfort.
Christians would also benefit from their faith in the providence and protection of God as a buffer against emotional trauma and stressful events, although Roizen steers clear of religion. The life long learning commitment that Christians make is another contributor to Real Age reduction. They also have added incentive and built-in security against some of the things that are identified as contributing to Real Age loss. These include alcohol
abuse (use in moderation has Real Age benefits - Roizen); smoking, unsafe sex, drug addiction and worry.
The Real Age concept reaffirms the phenomenal wisdom that is contained in the Bible - even taken solely as a textbook for effective living. It is replete with exhortations related to love, compassion, forgiveness, chaste living, treating our bodies appropriately, modest lifestyles, the avoidance of slothfulness, commitment to ongoing study and a philosophy that combats stress.
Trevor Smith
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