How to Age Like Fine Wine

Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth

Hello, Health Enthusiasts!

Welcome to this week’s installment of our Informative Health Blog, lovingly written by yours truly and posted every Saturday morning. These posts are my attempt to keep you informed, entertained, and hopefully learning something new! If health blogs aren’t your thing, you can easily opt out. But if there’s a topic you’d love to see covered, drop me a line—I’m truly always open to suggestions.

Now for some important news that really needs your attention!

DO NOT GO TO THE MAYWOOD OFFICE!

Since late September, we’ve been in our shiny, lovely new space at 17-17 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn (just after the Fair Lawn Promenade). Google Maps and Waze might try to lead you astray—don’t let them. Your best bet? Tell your GPS to take you to “Summit Health, Fair Lawn Hub, NJ.”

A few pro tips for a smooth arrival:

· Our building comes up really fast and the sign for the building is small so keep those eagle eyes on alert.

· Parking is in the back of the building (not the Route 208 side).

· Enter from the back of the building, then head up to the second floor—SUITE 290

We know it’s a bit of a treasure hunt, but trust me, the prize is worth it! Thanks for sticking with us through this transition—we can’t wait to see you in our cozy new space.

Stay healthy, stay curious, and as always, thanks for reading!

Warm regards,
Andrew Siegel MD

How to Age Like Fine Wine: Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth

My first attempt at writing a book, over fifteen years ago, was entitled Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Health, Wellness, Fitness, and Longevity. It was a solid idea and a noble effort—but in all honesty, it wasn’t a masterpiece. Think of it as the rough draft of my writing career. Since then, I’ve leveled up my skills (or at least I like to think so), and I’m pretty thrilled with my latest work: the second edition of Prostate Cancer 20/20: A Practical Guide to Understanding Treatment Options for Patients and Their Families.

If you’re curious—and feeling nostalgic for the early 2000s—you can click the link at the end of this post to access for free Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth in its entirety. Spoiler alert: no actual fountains involved.

As a physician, I’ve had the privilege of not just observing the aging process but also trying to educate others (and myself) about it. And let me tell you, nothing sharpens your resolve to live healthily like watching your patients defy the laws of time. These youthful elders—yes, that’s a real thing—have taught me invaluable lessons about health span (living well) and lifespan (living long).

A long, healthy life isn’t just about luck or genetics. It’s about being a good steward of your body and mind. Remember, “youthful elderly” isn’t an oxymoron—it’s a goal worth striving for!” Here’s the kicker: while you can’t pause the time clock (or slap it with a snooze button), you can slow down its relentless tick-tock with a few simple, commonsense practices. Think of these as the secret sauce to aging well:

• Stay active and optimistic (preferably not at the same time—you don’t want to pull a muscle from smiling too hard while running).

• Maintain a healthy weight (which, unfortunately, does not mean “only three slices of cake”).

• Get regular preventive care.

• Make smart lifestyle choices.

• Stay engaged—physically, mentally, and socially.

Here is some specific advice for staying young at heart from one of my youthful octogenarian patients who was profiled in the Fountain of Youth book:

• Don’t let anything—food, TV, candy—control you. Moderation, people!

• Walk more, sit less, and take the stairs when you can.

• Schedule short, totally relaxed breaks. Think “mini vacations” for your brain.

• Read good stuff, share it, and discuss it. (Bad books don’t count—sorry, Twilight fans.)

• Avoid bad moods like you’d avoid stepping on a Lego.

• Learn to cope with life’s curveballs. (Pro tip: don’t duck; lean in.)

• Give without expecting anything in return—it’s freeing!

• Practice self-control and don’t hold grudges. Harboring resent ages you faster than fast food.

• Focus on the positive and kick negativity to the curb.

For a deeper dive into these insights, check out Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth. Just don’t expect any maps or treasure chests—this fountain is more about lifestyle than lagoon.

Next week’s entry profiles a remarkable patient of mine who defies the conventional expectations of aging.

Wishing you the best of health and a long life span and health span,

Andrew Siegel MD