Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Luigi Fontana, Hardie Grant, $32.99.
Living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be an opportune time to discuss longevity as we turn our attention to our physical and emotional health. So, what do we have to do to reach 100 with the health and stamina of a 40-year-old?
Leading world expert on longevity, Professor Fontana, outlines a lifestyle plan that integrates the principles of nutrition, diet, exercise, brain health and relationships.
He proficiently elaborates by sharing practical tips for our wellbeing that can help you to not only live a long life, but also a healthier more fulfilling one.
Professor Fontana believes that as a society we urgently begin to take a prevention-based approach to health, not a disease-based one. People can make choices that will set themselves up for long, healthy and happy lives, while contributing to the protection of the environment. Even those suffering from chronic conditions can also make positive changes that will have a beneficial influence on their lives.
The internationally recognised physician scientist illustrates here is what each of us wants to be: disease-free and capable of doing what we enjoy, ideally, for our entire lives.
He shows “how nutrition, physical exercise and brain training can lead to a long life, free of diseases, and why these factors have the influence on health that they do. I believe that, if people can understand the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms, they can make informed choices that will help them live longer, and also be happier and healthier”.
In addition, he explains other practices and interventions that promote wellbeing and happiness, such as mindfulness, meditation, healthy sleeping patterns, some breathing techniques and the importance of social relationships and environmental health.
It’s important to cultivate the “whole person, an entity that is not only physical, but also affective, imaginative, intuitive, psychic and spiritual”.
In The Path to Longevity is a summary of more than 20 years of research, clinical practice and the accumulated knowledge on healthy longevity, using an evidence-based approach by the world leader in the field of nutrition, physical exercise and healthy prolonged existence in humans.
He empowers us to understand the immense benefits of making comprehensive changes to our lifestyles, attitudes and personal growth.
