Product Details

• Actors: Andrew Weil
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Acacia
• DVD Release Date: May 9, 2006
• Run Time: 85 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B000F8DB9O
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,760 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Many of the words of wisdom dispensed by Andrew Weil, "America's most trusted physician," in the course of Healthy Aging are elementary, even obvious. But that doesn't make them any less relevant, as Weil takes on an issue that most in this youth-obsessed culture would just as soon ignore. Originally aired on PBS, this program is essentially an 85-minute lecture by the Harvard-educated doc, a prolific author and Integrative Medicine pioneer now based at the University of Arizona; sans props, guests, or bells and whistles of any sort, it's all rather static. What's more, while his assertions that aging is not necessarily synonymous with diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's and that memory loss and aging don't have to go hand in hand are provocative, we're more than a third into it before Weil delivers any really practical ideas for those 60 and over whose goal is what he calls "compression of morbidity"--i.e., living not only long, but well. Even then, it should come as no surprise that eliminating certain unhealthy (i.e., fast-digesting) fats, oils, and carbohydrates from one's diet, engaging in regular and age-appropriate physical activity, sleeping well, and managing stress are key steps along that path. Still, Weil articulates these points in engaging, articulate fashion, and some of his specific recommendations (such as keeping the mind active by learning new things, practicing yoga-like breathing exercises, or composing an "ethical will" that will record one's personal values, wisdom, and experience) have considerable worth and appeal. For those unwilling to wade through the wealth of talk and information that occupies the first hour or so, these topics are summarized near the end of the DVD in Weil's "12-Point Program." --Sam Graham

Product Description
What would it be like to grow old in a culture that values aging? What is an anti-inflammatory diet and why is it beneficial? What part of us never ages? What is our most important legacy?

In a new public television special, integrative medicine expert and bestselling author Dr. Andrew Weil takes on the subject of aging with unflinching honesty and offers uplifting advice based on his scientific studies and personal observations. With the authoritative but warm style that has made him America’s best-known doctor, he urges us to reject the prevailing notion that aging is an evil to be fought off with magic elixirs and invasive procedures. Rather, Dr. Weil emphasizes the rewards of growing older and offers practical steps for remaining healthy in mind and spirit so we can enjoy it. He explains the science behind the best approach to diet and exercise as well as how to get the most beneficial sleep, maintain emotional well-being, keep your memory sharp, and think about the emotional legacy you want to leave behind.

Andrew Weil, M.D., a graduate of Harvard Medical School, is the author of 10 books, including Spontaneous Healing, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, and Eating Well for Optimum Health. He is a clinical professor of medicine and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aging Gracefully, August 26, 2006

By	Rebecca Johnson "SeasonedwithLove.com" (Washington State) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Dr. Andrew Weil presents the topic of healthy aging in a beautiful garden setting that looks like a Garden of Eden. The topic of aging has almost become like a tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Should you taste of the fruit of youth from medical knowledge and put yourself in opposition to nature or taste of the fruits of maturity as they present themselves in all their positive aspects.

Lifestyle changes to increase the depression of morbidity are promoted, but taking hormones is not something Dr. Weil seems to be interested in because he encourages a more natural pathway. Instead of rejecting the aging process, he embraces the wisdom and positive aspects of growing older.

How can fruit pigments help you stay younger?
What should you do to get the best night's sleep?
Should exercise be adapted for your current age?
Why should we focus on an anti-inflammatory diet?
What is an anti-inflammatory diet?

Dr. Andrew Weil's trips overseas have given him insight into how many cultures live and how they treat the aging population. He gives a list of foods you can incorporate into your diet to make you healthier and to live a long, happy life. At the end of this PBS special, there is a summary of all the things you can do to contribute to your own mental, emotional and physical health. The extras include a short biography, ideas for creating a walking labyrinth, the 4-7-8 breathing technique, more information on an ethical will and additional questions from the audience.

Dr. Andrew Weil's wisdom has helped me on all levels and his medical advice is practical and healing. When you really get down to the basics of what you need to feel better in life, Dr. Weil has the answers. His breathing exercises and tips on how to get a better night's sleep are priceless.

~The Rebecca Review