Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

I will admit, I purchased this book because I work at a senior community that is now in the proces of implementing Masterpiece Living, the main program that this book and author supports, and the last three chapters are certainly geared to advertising that program. I got this book so that I could get a better picture of the Masterpiece Living, since it seemed difficult to get a clear picture, and analyze it.Needless to say, I think this book is a decent self-help book, with some interesting ideas about how to stay healthy and vibrant, particularly in retirement. While the author speaks about these ideas as somewhat revolutionary, I would disagree. You could find very similar information in a lot of self-help books out there on the market. Not necessarily bad advice, but nothing great or shockingly new.But the real analysis I wanted to focus on was the philosohpy and/or theology driving this book and Masterpiece Living, and thankfully I was able to get a much better picture after reading this book; sadly, my initial observations and thoughts were proven right. The author, Roger Landry, spoke about how he is a doctor and a humanist, thus showing his emphasis on the health of a patient, suffering is a bad thing, and the belief that you can and must take your life in your own hands to guide yourself into a much happier and heaalthier place.However, from a Christian standpoint, as well as what I would argue just a plain logical standpoint, he overlooks some quite obvious problems. Namely the question of suffering. I think greatly from his professional understanding as a doctor, and under the influence of the Buddist idea that suffering is something to be overcome, he does not cover the BIG reality that suffering happens. No matter how much you prep and plan, no matter how healthy you are, sometimes things go badly, healthy people get heart attacks and strokes, and sometimes last for years in a severely weakened state. Roger Landry does not cover that aspect at all, in fact he just kind of washes over it and encouraages you wherever you are. The larger philosophy fails when someone suddenly is hit hard and they cannot explain it.Even though you may gleam some good advice here and there throughout the book, the over-arching philosophies and ideas are weak and ultimately fail in the real world. Also be aware that this is in part to sell Masterpiece Living to the readers and the baby-boomers who are retiring.

The book has a personal inventory towards the beginning to see how you are doing on 12 key items that lead to successful aging. Then there is a chapter that expounds on each one. Here is a summary:1. Move your body2. Have face to face conversation3. Learn or do something new4. Be proud of how you spend your day5. Eat fruits, vegetable, nuts (5 or more servings a day)6. Keep your weight within 10 pounds of what it was at age 187. Stop rushing8. Stop worrying9. Focus on what you are doing10. Get quality sleep11. Laugh daily12. Interact with a childThe author is passionate about his subject matter and the book is presented in an inspiring manner. I highly recommend it.

I became aware of "Live Long, Die Short" after Dr. Landry visited our continuing care retirement community. The book is well written and offers convincing reviews and approaches to successful aging. One might call it graceful aging while slowing down as little as possible. Dr Landry is truly an expert in this area, and his considerable knowledge and experience is generously shared in the book. It is definitely worth reading for anyone who is fortunate enough to make it to "senior" status.

Book was in very good condition!!! Very happy with purchase!!! Hate the author's work though. He draws on and on about how great he is compared to others in the field. I have to read it for a class, otherwise I wouldn't read it period. No, I do not recommend this book for anyone that doesn't like people with big egos, but the seller is awesome <3

Actually I found the read rather tedious at first; it moved along too slowly for my taste. Why 5 stars then? Because happily I continued on until I discovered an extremely thought provoking notion presented on human earthly existence.: Using 25 years as a timeframe from generation to generation, Dr. Landry makes an incredible point, positing that if total time of human existence on earth were compressed into a 365 day period, 363 DAYS WOULD BE SPENT AS A HUNTER-GATHERER; 2 DAYS UNDER AN AGRARIAN LIFE; ONE HOUR (less than 250 years or 10 generations) UNDER OUR MODERN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEM!

Dr. Landry lays out the path to long quality of life, short windows of decline (morbidity compression) and health care savings so substantial funding our remaining health care needs would be inconsequential. All are outcomes of successful aging. Drawing on numerous scientific resources as well as his own career as chief flight surgeon, US Air Force, and as preventative physician, Dr. Landry joins many other experts in a compelling connection of the dots. Told in his own natural and unique style, this book is one you can refer to over and over again. Full of very good stuff.

I already do much of what Dr. Landry suggests. In fact, I've had a number of friends here at LaLoma Village ask me if I had read the book years ago as I'm a role model for it.

Yes, my husbands doctor recommended he get this book. I love it too. So many little things you never think about make a difference on living well. My family saw this book over the holidays and they are all ordering it. Good book.

good advice