Keys to Longevity and Well-Being: The Art and Science of Aging Well

Given at HILR

Study Group Leaders: Hy Kempler and Peter Kugel

Description: We will look into what science knows, and does not know, about aging—both biological and cognitive—in an attempt to see what we can learn about how to age well. We will ask what happens in normal aging (although there are individual differences) and what can be done to slow down, or even prevent, some of its negative effects. We will consider the effects of diet, exercise, stress and sleep problems on biological aging. We will look at the effects of mental exercise, attitude, staying connected and spirituality on cognitive aging and see whether we get wiser as we age.

Syllabus

Part A: Biological Aging

Week 1: Introduction: Old But Not Frail

Week 2: Normal biological aging

Week 3: The role of diet

Week 4: The role of exercise

Week 5: The role of sleep and rest

Week 6: Dealing with stress

Week 7: Can medicine extend longevity?

Part B: Cognitive Aging

Week 8: Normal cognitive aging

Week 9: The role of mental exercise

Week 10: The role of spirituality

Week 11: The role of attitude

Week 12: The importance of staying connected

Wisdom

Bibliography

Chapters from various books and articles from the New York Times, Scientific American, The New Yorker and scientific journals will be made available.

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