My Challenge to Ageing 4th Edition
Book Details
Author(s)Risteárd Mulcahy
ISBN / ASINB004Z8S154
ISBN-13978B004Z8S154
Sales Rank1,349,977
MarketplaceUnited States 🇺🇸
Description
Professor Risteárd Mulcahy was a cardiologist at St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland from 1950 to 1988. He is known internationally for his research work into the prevention of coronary heart disease. He is now retired and is just approaching his 90th year. He has remained in excellent health since he retired. His book “My Challenge to Ageing†records the symptoms of ageing as they affected him during his retirement and how he has adapted to these changes.
By recognising and adapting to the physical, mental, psychological and emotional changes which have been inevitable during these last twenty three years, it has allowed him to continue leading a very active exercise programme and to remain mentally agile.
He describes the great physical, mental, psychological and health benefits of identifying the normal consequences of ageing and of adapting to these changes in a rational and optimistic way. He walks regularly, cycles, plays golf in his two golf clubs and he remains active in family and social affairs. Successful ageing does require some behavioural changes if one is to enjoy this time in life as well as one enjoys the earlier years. It is easy to identify normal ageing changes, to adapt to them and to enjoy what can be golden years.
The 25 or more aspects of ageing dealt with by the author include such functions as exercise, nutrition, food intolerance, dryness of the mouth and eyes, sight, hearing defects, arthritis, cramps, sleeping, skin and hair health, dental health, mood changes and depression. Sexual function is important to some and has been facilitated by the arrival of the erectile drugs. Mild prostatic symptoms are common and can be easily managed unless they are a major intrusion in one’s life. There is a place too for relaxation and meditation which can be encouraged in a variety of ways. Cold sensitivity is also not uncommon among the elderly and can be relieved with modern thermal clothes and insulation.
The author explains the difference between memory problems which need medical intervention and those so called memory problems which are normal in a healthy older person. Just as one can adapt to a new and unaccustomed exercise programme, one can train the mind to improve memory even among the elderly. The book deals in some detail with suggestions about improving memory.
Many inevitable and normal ageing changes are too often deemed to be abnormal and therefore a reason to consult a doctor. Nowadays too many older people are on the medical treadmill and are overmedicalised through unnecessary drug treatment and other medical interventions. Normal symptoms of ageing can be recognised and dealt with without the necessity of medical intervention. The reader is advised to be proactive in questioning doctors about any form of medical intervention.
An important section of this book deals with physical exercise as we arrive at our retirement years. Appropriate aerobic exercise is vital if we are to avoid the physical debility and the loss of independence which are all too common among older and not so old inactive people. The author underlines the feasibility of starting a satisfactory aerobic exercise programme which will add to one’s physical and psychological health. In those who have been physically inactive during their lives, it is never too late to start an appropriate aerobic exercise programme, irrespective of one’s facilities and one’s physical condition. And the physical and psychological benefits of physical exercise can be striking in the well informed and well motivated person.
There is no doubt that with proper insights into the effects of normal ageing and with sensible adaptation to these effects, one can enjoy good health, and even improve with age!
By recognising and adapting to the physical, mental, psychological and emotional changes which have been inevitable during these last twenty three years, it has allowed him to continue leading a very active exercise programme and to remain mentally agile.
He describes the great physical, mental, psychological and health benefits of identifying the normal consequences of ageing and of adapting to these changes in a rational and optimistic way. He walks regularly, cycles, plays golf in his two golf clubs and he remains active in family and social affairs. Successful ageing does require some behavioural changes if one is to enjoy this time in life as well as one enjoys the earlier years. It is easy to identify normal ageing changes, to adapt to them and to enjoy what can be golden years.
The 25 or more aspects of ageing dealt with by the author include such functions as exercise, nutrition, food intolerance, dryness of the mouth and eyes, sight, hearing defects, arthritis, cramps, sleeping, skin and hair health, dental health, mood changes and depression. Sexual function is important to some and has been facilitated by the arrival of the erectile drugs. Mild prostatic symptoms are common and can be easily managed unless they are a major intrusion in one’s life. There is a place too for relaxation and meditation which can be encouraged in a variety of ways. Cold sensitivity is also not uncommon among the elderly and can be relieved with modern thermal clothes and insulation.
The author explains the difference between memory problems which need medical intervention and those so called memory problems which are normal in a healthy older person. Just as one can adapt to a new and unaccustomed exercise programme, one can train the mind to improve memory even among the elderly. The book deals in some detail with suggestions about improving memory.
Many inevitable and normal ageing changes are too often deemed to be abnormal and therefore a reason to consult a doctor. Nowadays too many older people are on the medical treadmill and are overmedicalised through unnecessary drug treatment and other medical interventions. Normal symptoms of ageing can be recognised and dealt with without the necessity of medical intervention. The reader is advised to be proactive in questioning doctors about any form of medical intervention.
An important section of this book deals with physical exercise as we arrive at our retirement years. Appropriate aerobic exercise is vital if we are to avoid the physical debility and the loss of independence which are all too common among older and not so old inactive people. The author underlines the feasibility of starting a satisfactory aerobic exercise programme which will add to one’s physical and psychological health. In those who have been physically inactive during their lives, it is never too late to start an appropriate aerobic exercise programme, irrespective of one’s facilities and one’s physical condition. And the physical and psychological benefits of physical exercise can be striking in the well informed and well motivated person.
There is no doubt that with proper insights into the effects of normal ageing and with sensible adaptation to these effects, one can enjoy good health, and even improve with age!
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