Most of us fear aging itself less than the deterioration that is an inevitable accompaniment. Recent research, however, indicates that we can actively stave off much of this by properly attending to diet, exercise, and mental and social stimulation. These two titles, like Mark Liponis's Ultralongevity and Sanjay Gupta's Chasing Life , examine the current thinking in the field and outline plans for maintaining vigor well into the eighties and even beyond. The team behind the best-selling You: On a Diet , Oz and Roizen spend a lot of time describing the chemical and neurological processes of the aging body before dipping into various related topics (e.g., the 14 "Major Agers," aging myths, good sleep, hygiene, and a detox plan). Their style is nonlinear, with many sidebars and cartoon illustrations that baby boomers will find reminiscent of R. Crumb. This title is suited to perusing rather than reading from start to finish.

Flanigan (cardiology, Univ. of Colorado Health Sciences Ctr.) and Sawyer (codirector, Heart and Health Prevention Ctr.) are more straightforward and economical in style, zeroing in on the ten most deadly diseases (e.g., heart disease) and how to elude them. Both books emphasize the importance of regular physical exercise, a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants and low in fat and processed foods, and sustained mental and social activity. Most public libraries will want to stock a few titles on increasing longevity, a big headline maker. Flanigan and Sawyer's title is the more accessible of the two based on approach, yet Oz and Roizen's latest will no doubt be a best seller, as the authors are scheduled to launch the book on Oprah the first week of November.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

In their newest in the You series, physicians Oz and Roizen and a supporting cast of contributors explain why the body ages and how readers can become "anatomical puppeteers," mastering their genes, bad habits, environmental pollution and stress while igniting the body's ability to stay fit, strong and healthy. According to the authors, avoiding such major causes of death as cancer and heart disease increases life expectancy by only just under a decade. With their talent for creating vivid, humorous images (amplified by cartoon drawings), they describe 14 "major agers" and how readers can use what is known about telomeres (which look like the plastic ends of shoelaces), mitochondria (the body's energy powerhouses) and other components of body functioning to repair and rejuvenate cells. While the hefty amount of detailed information might seem overwhelming, the suggestions in the authors' "tool box" are straightforward and, frequently, simple: walking a half hour each day; consistently getting enough sleep; relieving stress with yoga, meditation and chi gong; removing toxins from the home; and avoiding accidents, for example. Perhaps most simple—and surprising—is their claim that one of the best predictors of aging is your perception of your own health. With the facts and tools laid out here, readers will be able to articulate, challenge and change those perceptions through positive action. (Oct.)