posted by Kelly at 8:51 PM

It is common among my circle of friends to rave about the latest novel or spread the word about the greatest new “self-help cookbook.” It is not, however, common practice to hear about a book that might be seen as a health or medical book. So my friends were surprised when I started talking about Dr. Mark Liponis’ newest book UltraLongevity – and I told them they would all be getting a copy for Christmas this year!

Because I was employed by Canyon Ranch at one time, you might not be surprised that I enjoy this book as much as I do. However, I have to tell you that it is because of my association with Canyon Ranch that this book surprised me so much. In the years that I spent at the Ranch, the concept of “living longer younger” was branded into my brain … but it wasn’t until I read this book that I realized how much I still had not embraced it in my heart! This book helped me to truly understand how important getting older really is in our lives (the gifts that time and maturity provide to us and our life experiences). I always assumed that I would live healthy now so it wouldn’t be “as bad as it could be” later. In fact, aging does not have to be bad at all. The “norms” we tend to associate with advanced age – lack of mobility, forgetfulness, fatigue, feebleness, etc. – are by no means inevitable. As Dr. Liponis states, “We can change our expectations of what optimal health is at any age!”

UltraLongevity captures what Dr. Liponis has learned from years of watching “ultra-successful” patients age, plus two years of focused research on the topic. What he learned is that the key to successful aging and longevity is gaining control over our immune systems.

For so many years, people have focused on boosting their immune systems. In reality, we want to calm it down, keep it in balance, and harness this “vital diagnostic system” to enhance the healthy choices we make in our lives. I found the concepts of the book easy to understand and incorporate into my lifestyle. I have also enjoyed visiting Dr. Liponis’ blog, http://www.youngerhealthieryou.com. The dialogue generated in the comments is terrific, and you'll find excellent resources (websites, books) for further investigation. Also, you can take the online quiz, “How Fast Are You Aging?” from this site.

So … what are your current expectations of aging? How do you feel about your next birthday and the chronological number associated with that day? Based on the lifestyle choices that you are making today, what do you expect to be your experience 5, 10, 20, 30+ years down the road? I encourage you to take some time and reflect on these questions, then pick up a copy of Dr. Liponis’ book. Your approach to “living longer younger” could take on a whole new meaning.

posted by Kelly at 11:11 PM

How are your holidays going this year? For better or worse, we’re all aware of the cultural norms and expectations around how we celebrate. When your plans (or lack thereof) don’t fit that expectation, feelings of disconnection or being alone might be accentuated. But who needs a “norm” to tell you how to feel? A little time to yourself can be rewarding, fun and the best way to put things into perspective.

Many people pick the holidays as a time for travel and pampering – both great options if you’re celebrating on your own. When I was working as a Program Advisor, many Ranch guests were solo visitors. It’s the perfect place for being as social or solitary as you like – no demands or expectations at all!

A snowy New Years in Lenox can be a great escape, for instance. You might even wind up with a few new friends to ring in the year with. Or if the cold is already getting to you, you could start 2008 with a escape to sunny Tucson. Everything is tailored to your mood and preference – you can make it an all-about-you experience, even choosing to dine alone. And if you feel like it, you can have a meal at the Captain’s Table with other guests and Ranch staff who welcome company and conversation.

As the holiday season winds down, consider this: What if the holidays are really about celebrating your spirit, or enhancing your approach to wellness? What if it's really all about finding the essence of “home” that exists within you? We choose our own norms and set our own goals.

I hope that find what you need and want in 2008 – on your own and in all your relationships!