Preface
I am 62 years old. Two factors have motivated me throughout most
of my adult life. The frst has been my desire to sort through all
the confusion and find the truth. The second has been my desire
to serve other people. Through a unique set of circumstances, at the
tender age of 49, I became interested in exploring my fear of death
and the meaning of becoming an elder. Over 13 years later, I hope my
pursuits have paid off. This book is a product of these pursuits. Specifically,
over the last five years I have researched, shared, and refined my
understanding of successful aging. It has become a passionate hobby
of mine, almost to the point of obsession. I have lived this book.
I am in a unique position to write a book about winning at aging.
I've been in clinical practice as a doctor of chiropractic for 30 years. I
have been a health and wellness coach to many of my patients. I was
trained to be a scientist and I learned how to critically read scientific
literature while obtaining my masters degree in biology. My pre-med
studies included the unlikely combination of a major in psychology
and a minor in chemistry. I have continued to study and be interested
in these fields ever since. I have been a "health nut" for 40 years and I
do pretty much whatever I believe will enhance my health. I have been
on a spiritual quest most of my life, as both my parents were agnostics
and I wanted answers to life's mysterious questions. I have sat in
countless circles with women and men of all ages, mostly with older
men. We have pondered questions such as, what does it mean to be
an elder in our modern world, and how can our experience be relevant
to the youth of today who face a world of problems and challenges? I
even have a fantasy that this book will spark interest in a new field of
research, beyond traditional gerontology and successful aging.
I have discovered an empowering and revolutionary story. I've
taken the best from neuroscience, psychological science, and from
complimentary and anti-aging medicine. I've combined this with
the wisdom of the elders, which teaches us to embrace the ripening process that aging brings. I neither want to surrender to the deterioration
nor deny the unique experience and wisdom that the years can
bring. I want to feel young and vital for as long as possible, while reaping
the rewards that a long and well-lived life can bring. If you want
to have it all like I do, and like most baby boomers, then this book is
for you. Let's maximize the youth of our body and brain, while at
the same time maximizing the wisdom of our mind and spirit. Let's
minimize aging and maximize sage-ing.
How do we win a game where the ultimate end is our death? If
nothing else, this irony proves that Mother Nature has a sense of humor.
Speaking of Mother Nature, let's discern and utilize some of her
secrets to trick Father Time, at least for a few good years. One trick
that I have employed, as you will soon find out, is starting our journey
of winning at aging at the top of a metaphorical mountain. &ere are
several advantages to this. The obvious one is that it's usually easier to
travel downhill than uphill. Seriously though, the main reason is to answer
the question, "Why bother?" Why bother to do what it takes to be
healthy and happy? Why bother to look inside and resolve our internal
conflicts? Why bother to get out of bed in the morning? If we don't
begin or continue a spiritual inquiry, then winning at aging becomes an
uphill slog. If we even get an inkling as to why we are here and where
we want to go, then we can travel down this mountain in style.
I will be your faithful guide along this journey of discovery. I will
be your translator of the latest scienti)c research and I can be your interpreter
of the vitally important messages that this research is telling
us. I will also be your coach, that friendly voice whispering encouragement
in your ear when you become discouraged. I will not be your
critic or judge, as I believe there is already too much of that, especially
coming from inside us.
Are we cursed or blessed to live in such interesting (some would
say turbulent) times? This book is my offering to you, a life raft to
guide you through to more peaceful waters. May you find your truth,
the gold within your shadow. May you live it now!
JOHN M. KALB
SPRING 2011
ASHLAND, OREGON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR