Includes bibliographical references (p. [201]-213) and indexes.

"The Rolling Stones (now in their 60s) have sung for years about "what a drag it is getting old," but it doesn't have to be that way. Living longer is not enough for most of us. The quality of our lives is most important, and much of that depends on our attitudes and approach. Despite living in a youth-oriented society, many of the aged patients seen by Dr. Levine have kept their emotional zest, intellectual zeal, and empowering dignity. Levine also points out widely known public figures that have aged with dignity and vitality." "This book shows that we can retain these qualities despite the aging process, defying a society that challenges such a goal. Levine offers strategies to optimize self-esteem as well as health." "Readers are given the physiological facts of aging, from cellular to systemic changes. Levine describes the most common diseases of old age - and how they change our abilities and self-perceptions - and suggests action to avoid many of these diseases."--BOOK JACKET