Does it seem like life is flying by? Want to get a heads-up on how to live a longer and more productive life? 70 Ways To Beat 70: Keys to a Longer, Healthier Life is a great place to gather ideas on how to achieve a healthier, more vibrant, and longer life. I want to live to see my children's children, and I also want to age gracefully. Not only do I want to survive, I want to live!

In this easy-to-read, hard-to-put-down book, you'll discover not only the keys to a longer life but the scientific basis for applying those keys. Many topics are covered, such as breathing clean air, drinking clean water, laughing and playing more, eating well, and getting a good night's sleep. The keys are fun to put into practice for the entire family, which is great for our children as they are learning early how to take care of their health.

One of my personal favorites is the idea to Break Bread Together. "Kids who have family meals with their parents five or more times a week are much less likely to get involved with drugs or other risky behavior," according to Ann Tom, who is quoted in the book. The chapter reminisces about olden times when families shared a meal on most evenings, and it tells how to achieve this key to better health for our families. Another piece of advice in this chapter is something we have been practicing for many years: "Turn off the TV and have a real conversation for a change. You'll be amazed at how much healthier you'll be as a result." (I say, at the least for dinner, if not permanently.)

Other chapters are geared toward physical health, such as the ones on keeping your heart smart and feasting on fiber! These chapters give you lots of information on why and how to reach these goals! Learning to simplify your life, stay creative, and find contentment will actually help to lengthen your life!

Being labeled a "health nut" no longer bothers me. When my dear friends and family say they would rather eat whatever they like and enjoy life even if it is shorter, then I just let that go--because living a joyful life is part of living a long life! Eating healthfully is not the only factor. There is so much more to it, like exercising, being joyful, staying connected spiritually, and nurturing your relationships with family. This book will help you to focus on all the aspects of good health and longevity; it is well-rounded advice.

Reading this book is fun because it is not written like a reference book; it is more like a talk with a good friend. There are real-life examples and stories. This book is perfect for carrying along and reading little bits while waiting at the dentist office or at soccer practice. Another fun way to use this book would be to read and implement one practice per week for 70 weeks! It would be a great family or homeschool group project that would have a huge impact on everyone.

Product review by Rebecca Huff, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, May 2009