The rapidly expanding elder population will put further demands on health care systems already burdened by the elderly and the poor. However, increasing age need not be associated with expanding health care costs if people improve their lifestyles.

Healthier lifestyles would signficantly reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, cataract and macular degeneration, among others. Moreover, they would significantly increase life expectancy and the quality of life. This invaluable book reviews the scientific medical evidence for the benefits of healthy lifestyles on aging, numerous diseases/disorders, and reduction of medical costs.

Contents:

• Life Expectancy, Disease Prevention and Wellness Assessment
• Overweight and Obesity: Associated Health Risks and Economic Costs
• Physical Activity: Its Role in Disease/Disorder Prevention
• Nutrition: Its Role in Aging, Health and Disease
• Substance Abuse, Herbal Medicines and Environmental Factors: Their Effect on Aging, Health and Disease

“The writing is absolutely clear, objective, and convincing … the scope and is amazingly up-to-date … this book will provide a major contribution to current debates about life-style factors in relation to human health and longevity.”