With baby boomers, plus, plus need a book specifically for us, to motivate us to keep in good health and have a fun attitude. We know we’ll be living longer and want our lives to be healthy and happy.

It’s not that life has been easy for us, or for me. Besides tragedies that have devastated us in the past, we still need to look to our future to cope better. I cope better when I’m in good health and at a healthy weight. The process has been tough and still is, but I feel fantastic at 58, and so can you. I will include the positive experiences of my family (a very positive family), clients, friends, models over 50 and myself.

I got a kick out of an article in the Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2002, that states a food company ”recruited a fashion model Maye Musk to help promote “tips for age-defying eating,” on television and radio shows” to create “a healthier, sexier image.” That’s a really cool byline for a grandmother. We need to continue to feel healthy and sexy ourselves.

In Feel Fantastic over 50 I want to include three sections:

1. The Benefits of Aging

2. Being Your Best

3. Good Health Habits

WHY IS THIS BOOK IMPORTANT?

· Americans are living longer. People in their 50’s are considered young with over half their life ahead of them; by 2050, more than a million Americans are expected to be 100 or older.

· We want to remain independent. Self-esteem is increased when you can manage on your own.

· On the image side, we see ourselves 10 to 15 years younger than our true age and we like to look good.

· Books are indifferent to the older market, particularly those aimed at looking more attractive.

· Health risks increase with age. Many diseases are linked to a poor lifestyle.

· Americans are aging. Almost 76 million Americans are 50 or older; four million more turn 50 every year.

· Americans are obese. 300,000 Americans die annually because of obesity, the country's growing health problem. The "War on Obesity" may find its greatest battle among the elderly. Recent research on elderly patients, ages 65 and above, from the Geisinger Clinical Nutrition Research Center linked the role of nutrition and obesity to both increased risk of hospitalization and functional limitations.

· We earn well and spend well; dine out four or five times a week; spend the most in leisure travel; purchase gifts, clothes and financial services; do online banking; and have time to read books.

· Self-indulgent. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) realize that once our children have left home, we need to take care of ourselves.

· Global aging. Worldwide, the number of people age 65 and older is 420 million. Young adults want to be in a better position than their parents even though seniors are better educated, retiring earlier and living longer in all countries. Italy and Japan are predicted to have the greatest percentage of older people. What are they doing right?

· Better health means lower healthcare costs, a large concern for families. Making a healthy change is an investment.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM Feel Fantastic over 50?

Health conscious people over 50 who want to

· Feel that their future is ahead of them.

· Look fantastic.

· Eat well for the rest of their life.

· Learn sound nutrition and lower confusion created by fad diets.

· Know what to eat to prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc.

· Benefit from the healthy habits of other countries.

· Incorporate sports and leisure activities into their lifestyle.

· Incorporate healthy lifestyles when traveling.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Stories will come from an amalgamation of stories from clients, dietitians and models, sharing their experiences regarding concerns and successes.

A. The Benefits of Aging

1. Wisdom - a life of learning through trial and error

2. Security - financial and emotional strength in later life

3. Comfort - you know who you are and are happy being you

4. How all of these contribute to your well-being and how you can now focus on your health and appearance since you have mastered these other aspects of your life

B. Being Your Best: Physically and Mentally

1. A young attitude - you can still be fit and active
2. Keep your mind active

• Languages
• Hobbies
• Books, tapes
• Crossword puzzles
• Card games
• Computer skills, games, emailing, surfing the Net

3. Help others - volunteer
4. Mix with happy people - laugh, stay social
5. Get a pet - really your best friend

6. Looking good- important at all ages

a. Walk tall and confidently

b. Wardrobe planning - can we still look sexy?

c. Skincare - minimize wrinkles

d. Healthy teeth - preferably your own

e. Hair and makeup

f. Your total new look

C. Good Health Habits: Diet, Stress-Relief, and Disease Prevention

1. Eat and drink for high energy - The Density Diet
2. Easy meal plans
3. Stay motivated
4. Dine out and travel “light”
5. Post-Menopausal fears diminished
6. Healthy Habits to lower risk for:
   1. Heart disease
   2. High blood pressure
   3. Diabetes
   4. Osteoporosis
   5. Arthritis
   6. Heartburn
   7. Constipation
7. Supplements - which, what, when, why?
8. Longevity lessons to learn from other countries
9. Vary activity to prevent boredom:

• Stretches and stomach crunches during television
• Reading on the stationary bike
• Listening to music while on the treadmill
• Take exercise or water aerobic classes
• Try something new: tai chi, yoga, pilates

14. A Feel Fantastic Week - 7 days of meals, snacks and activity

In side bars:

1. Fats - where?

2. Proteins - why?

3. Carbohydrates & Fiber - when?

4. Food Safety - how?

5. Probiotics - what?

6. Soy - can it be tasty?

7. Vegetarianism - sometimes

8. Biotechnology - don’t be scared

9. Radiation - safer foods

10. Fad diets - deja vu

11. Chocolate - a healthy treat

12. Caffeine - your daily boost

13. Salt - hidden everywhere

14. Super tasters - special people

15. Many quotes, tables and interesting tidbits

Send in ideas that you would like me to include. In the meantime, I’ll look for a publisher.