More than once it’s been suggested that my efforts to Put Old on Hold are frivolous, vain and ultimately futile. “Why spend all that money on vitamins, supplements and anti-aging therapies – everybody gets old sooner or later. Just let nature take its course”

While it is undeniable that the aging process cannot be stopped, “getting old” – which means exhibiting traditional signs, symptoms and behaviors usually associated with advancing years is definitely controllable.

Most anyone able to envision the benefits of a youthful healthy old age and have the will to make a commitment can do it. It takes having an understanding that old age is not a TV mini-series over in 5 nights, but a long running show that may last longer than expected.

Not only is “old age” a long running show, it’s not prime time if there are daily re-runs of pain, depression and debilitation.

Putting Old on Hold means being free of chronic pain, mental and physical deterioration. It means being able to enjoy at an advanced age an incredible level of wellness conventional wisdom says is only for the young.

The deterioration and behaviors associated with or recognized as “old age” are not just the result of the aging process. Much of what is recognized as “old age” is learned behavior.

In our society, we don’t just let old age happen. We help it along with a mix of tradition/custom; observation/emulation and expectation/exhortation. We learn how to “get old” from the influence of family members, other role models and social influences. We learn how to get old by observing and emulating behaviors, beliefs and attitudes of others because it’s accepted. We listen to the exhortations of well-meaning family, friends and peers.

A diet quite different from the accepted, conventional “healthy diet” is the foundation of putting old on hold and it’s shored up by exercise and a mental attitude that marches to an unconventional drummer. In Put Old on Hold I discuss the significance and substance of a non-traditional diet, the value of exercise, and the ingredients and benefits of a carefully cultivated mental attitude that puts you in charge of your aging process.