Grow Younger, Live Longer

Deepak Chopra is the bestselling author of Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, and he's set to be equally successful with this seductively titled book. The book presents a ten-week programme that challenges the prevailing assumptions about ageing, offering an overall, holistic approach that seeks to combine the biology of youth with the wisdom of experience. The book is a clear and practical guide, offering insights and practices, diagrams of exercises and dietary advice with recipes. Illustrations show how our own perceptions can be challenged and exercises are provided to encourage alternative ways of viewing the world. Deep rest is a vital factor to the success of the programme, and the book provides details about how to meditate and a routine for preparing for restful sleep, including massage techniques. Chopra suggests that by adapting our bodies' routines and cycles to harmonise with the changing seasons of nature we can reverse the ageing process. Healthy foods and nutritional supplements are discussed in some detail, with the inclusion of clear dietary charts and calorie counts split by carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The book suggests that diets should adhere to the six tastes and we should listen to the signals given by our bodies - hunger being an important one. Mind and body integration is an integral part of the programme, with guides to breathing techniques and yoga exercises. This section also deals with the need to be in tune with your body and interpret its messages, such as tiredness, fullness and even the need to stretch. Other sections are dedicated to physical activity, the need to eliminate toxins (both physical and emotional), learning to let go and to forgive. The need to be flexible is vital to the success of the programme, as is a willingness to break with habitual and negative patterns that inhibit creativity. A youthful mind embraces life as a sensory experience and a chance for personal growth; we need to remember to play, laugh and love. This is an irresistible guide to enjoying a more fulfilling life. Inspirational and challenging, it doesn't carry any guarantees but it does provide an entertaining and stimulating read. (Kirkus UK)