《不服老的科学指南》书评

原版在国外得到读者一致好评

Review 1This book is full of useful advice for making the most of the later years oflife. Its author, an English physician, has a special interest in aging andthe elderly. A first edition was published in 5 languages. This updatededition appears in English, French, Japanese, and Chinese.Many concerns about the problems and opportunities of aging are discussed.The style is clear and readable. Many amusing illustrations by Peter Davieshighlight the varioustopics.An original aspect of the book is its division into three parts: Preparingfor later life and retirement; Coping with problems; and Caring for anelderly person.Helpful advice covers many areas, including fitness and exercise, nutrition,relationships, and avoidingaccidents. The book mentions dentists whospecialize in dental care of the elderly; it would be helpful to see such aspecialty develop.Alzheimer's disease, a major and growing health problem among the elderly,is discussed in some detail. The final chapter deals, in a sensitive manner,with the difficult topic of dying.This book is highly recommended for the mature reader who wishes to make themost of the later years of life and to prevent, or cope with, problems ofaging.Sev S. FlussFormer Chief of Health Legislation,World Health Organization,Geneva________________________________________Review 2For those who tend to believe that old age is not a problem but acatastrophe, this book is strongly recommended. It is full of wise advice onattaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing disease and disability.It covers the whole range of personal activity from care of sight andhearing, through healthy diet (including food preparation for widowers),exercise, prevention of accidents and cancers, budget planning, preparationfor retirement, social activities, housing, travel and much more. Noteworthyis the advice on coping with disabilities, both physical and mental and ondying and mourning.This is the second edition of the book, which also appears in French andJapanese, and it is very much up to date. The excellent andcomprehensive advice is directed to intelligent readers of a certain levelof independence who live in societies where health, social and supportservices are readily available This book is so packed with information that it unlikely that the readerwill read it straight through ..... but will wish to flip back to otherchapters or pages.Professor Michael Davies,Hebrew University Medical School,Jerusalem______________________________________________________Review 3Dr. Philip Selby has accomplished a difficult goal: to be both comprehensiveabout the dynamics of aging and balanced among levels of discussion aboutspecific problems associated with long life. This book presents informationfrom disciplines of gerontology, including his own specialty of medicine,and provides the reader with information focused on discrete problems andthe interactions among various factors affecting one's ability to livebetter and longer.As I read this reader-friendly book, I thought about its usefulness towellness programs in senior centers, residential communities andintroductory courses on aging. One need only check off chapters from thetable of contents to see the breadth of the author's approach to a complexand ever-changing field. While all of the subjects have been covered, oftenin book length texts, Dr. Selby taps into the rich resources that have beenexpanded through research to provide evidence-based suggestions for howfirst to understand, and then to cope with problems associated with livinglong. The list of resources includes major texts to which we return asdisability strikes and as coping with limitations increasingly defines thechallenges we older people (I'm soon 77) face, and enjoy.With each section, Dr. Selby informs and enlightens a wide audience, notparticularly specialists but they too will appreciate the context of aging.I am persuaded that children of aging parents concerned about their parents'well being should read Dr. Selby's prescriptions. While one's parents may bejust beginning to face infirmities associated with long life, family membersneed to anticipate what will come--for parents and for themselves. Aschronic illnesses, accidents or acute episodes profoundly affect themobility, sense of physical and psychological well-being of one's parent,thoughtful children and other caring persons can return to this book to findexplanations, as well as helpful suggestions about coping.Dr. Selby has made it easy to be informed, to appreciate the complexities ofinteracting conditions and reduced capacities; he has reminded the readerthat help is available and to seek such help. ..... Unlike other texts, Dr.Selby deals with death wisely and with sensitivity for those facingimpending death.This book is a resource to keep nearby--and to share with others facinginfirmities associated with long life. A witty person said, "If I had knownI would live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself." To live betterand longer starts now, no matter one's age or vitality, and this book willhelp.This is a text that should be read by people of all ages, including those ofus who could write about our own travails and excitement associated withlong life. Dr. Selby has provided a guidebook on how to survive, filled withwarnings about pitfalls, as well as strategies for making each day a littlebetter.James T. SykesFulbright ScholarSenior Advisor for Aging PolicyUniversity of WisconsinSchool of Medicine and Public Health