Grumpy Young Men (and Women)

 

I am the world's slowest reader. I started this book about two months ago. And even with my exercise respite, due to a back injury, as well as my continuing physical therapy to relieve bone spurs on my right hip, I have just now completed the book pictured above.

All of which is ironic given the premise and promise of the title. 

And though it's hard to take anything I write seriously (see yesterday's post about the Caganer) I do highly recommend reading this handbook for aging, written by Chris and Harry. Sorry, Dr. Harry. Particularly if you are of a certain age. And would like to live to another certain age, perhaps even one with three digits.

I gave a preview of the book back in October, when I gobbled up the first few chapters on the importance of movement. That was followed by some obligatory fundamentals about nutrition. Which boils down to the notion we should stop eating processed foods. The sugar, the chemicals and the additional sugar found in our groceries (did you know Trump just discovered the word groceries, Google it) is killing us. 

Not coincidentally, I have all but eliminated processed foods from my shopping list. Though Chicas Blue and White salted tortilla chips do manage to sneak in to my cart. Nevertheless with the exception of some canned foods gifted to me in my mother's will that will remain unopened well past my demise, my pantry is as barren as the bookshelves at Mara Lago.

Having my new lifestyle affirmed in the area of exercise and diet was, and is, very satisfying. But the book goes on to talk other variables that are in our control and contribute to longevity, including alcohol, intimacy, friendship, sleep and emotional IQ.

These two old codgers even discuss Grumpiness with a Capitol G. It's a real thing. This passage hit me like some bratty kid had thrown a brick at my head. But before I could lash out...

Do not trust your temper. Think about the strong possibility that the seething injustice you are about to crush is nothing. Do not become a grumpy old man if you can possibly help it. It is dreadful. But it is normal.

For all the Do's and Don'ts, this book is remarkably uplifting. And it's an easy read. For shits and giggles, I recently cracked open Hemingway's A Movable Feast. Which is not an easy read but does make a fine chemical-free alternative to Ambien. 

Give the grumpy old person in your life a copy and discover why I believe 66 is the new 44.