AGING WELL

AN ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESOURCE GUIDE

From the Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.

Contents:

  Introduction
  Books
 Journals
 Research Centers
 Professional Organizations
 Self-Help and Referral Organizations
 Treatment Centers
 Government Resources
 Web Resources

INTRODUCTION

The resources contained in this guide relate to alternative and complementary approaches to healthy aging, and are provided solely for information purposes.  They have been carefully categorized and factually described to facilitate your own research, and will lead you to many more resources.   Some key conventional medicine research resources have been included to provide basic information on the process of aging. 

In a day and age when life expectancy continually increases, it is important that the quality and not simply the length of life keep improving. Never before have so many people lived for so long.  In this past century, women have increased their life expectancy by 71%, while men's life expectancy has increased by 66%.   Today there are 35 million Americans age 65 and older, and the fastest growing segment of the population is age 85 years and older.  Accompanying this increase in longevity are a variety of health issues, from wrinkles to memory loss, from increased body fat to decreased hearing and vision.  The aging of the population presents both a challenge and an opportunity for alternative and complementary medicine research to be applied to the development of lifestyle modifications and treatment modalities to maximize longevity.

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BOOKS  

AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH RESOURCES

Dennis McCullough, MD My Mother, Your Mother HarperCollins Publishers, 2008 Based on his own practice, geriatrician, Dennis McCullough advocates careful, anticipatory watchfulness in elder care to improve the quality of elders' extended lifespans - an approach he refers to as "Slow Medicine".

Alexa Fleckenstein, MD and Roann Weisman Healthy to One Hundred: Aging with Vigor and Grace HCI, 2006 Describes medical treatments from top doctors in the fields of conventional and alternative medicine, plus tips, and checklists from caregivers and patients for effective ways to prevent and treat arthritis pain, complaints related to diabetes, HBP, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, incontinence, respiratory problems and more..

Ken Dychtwald Healthy Aging: Challenges and Solutions Aspen Publishers, 1999 Presents current research about the future of healthy aging. Offers recommendations on how to prevent a crisis in health care.

Deepak Chopra, M.D. Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old Three Rivers, 1998 Chopra builds an authoritative base using research to show how the healing power of the mind-body connection can retain vitality, creativity, memory, and self-esteem through the aging process.

Marie-Francoise Shultz-Aellen Aging and Human Longevity Springer Verlag, 1997 A review of recent data on the phenomenon of aging, that discusses the mechanisms of aging at the cellular level and the consequences of tissue and system aging. Considers medical, psychological, and social interventions, as well as preventative measures

Hans J. Kugler Tripping the Clock: A Practical Guide to Anti-Aging and Rejuvenation Health Quest Publications, 1993 Well-documented, scientific facts, form this practical guide to anti-aging and rejuvenation. Covers health practices, supernutrition, anti-aging supplementation, drugs, weight loss, youth surgery, body shaping and reversing several aspects of aging, and more.

CASE STUDIES/OBSERVATIONAL DATA

Andrew Weil, MD Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being Anchor, 2007 Weil recommends aging gracefully by accepting the process rather than fighting it, with focus on proper nutrition, moderate exercise, meditation and adequate rest as part of "12-point program for healthy aging.

Bob Flaws Chinese Secrets of Health and Longevity(Audio Cassete version) Sounds True, Inc., 2000 The Chinese philosophy "xian xue" - "the science of longevity," illustrates how living longer and having more energy is as easy as moving, breathing, and eating. Flaws discusses how to use "chi" for self-healing, easy relaxation techniques, "chi kung" exercises to gently "unblock" and energize the entire body, and more.

Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program That Improves Your Mind and Memory Warner Books, 1999 Contains a four-part program to help people overcome the undesirable effects of normal brain "aging," including nutritional, stress-relieving, pharmacological, and mind-body exercise therapies.

Elizabeth Somer Age-proof Your Body: Your Complete Guide to Lifelong Vitality Quill, 1999 As a nutritionist, Somer provides a guide to what science knows and how to use that knowledge to age gracefully and energetically. While the focus in on very specific ways to eat better, there is also good information on exercise and lifestyle choices for the purpose of heading off age-related diseases and dysfunctions.

Barry Sears, Ph.D. The Anti-aging Zone Harper Collins Publishing, 1998 Sears presents a lifestyle plan including diet, meditation, exercise, and intake of supplements and herbs as an educational guide to preventing mental and physical health problems associated with aging.

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JOURNALS

ADULTSPAN Journal
http://www.aadaweb.org/Adultspan%20Journal.html
The official journal of the Association of Adult Development and Aging (AADA) that focuses on all aspects of adult development and aging, with a focus on implications for counselors and helping professionals.

Gerontology
http://www.karger.com/journals/ger/ger_jh.htm
This journal combines experimental contributions from diverse medical, biological and behavioral disciplines to provide a primary source of high-quality papers covering all aspects of aging. Recent research on the clinical problems of aging and the practical applications of laboratory results is also included to support the fundamental goals of extending active life and enhancing its quality.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0002-8614
http://www.amgeriatrics.com/
As the official journal of the American Geriatrics Society, this journal includes topics on aging and disease, practical solutions to common health problems, and updates on relevant topics.

Rejuvenation Research
http://www.liebertonline.com/rej
A reference guide to the developments in the field of clinical practice, basic science, economic and practice trends, new products and drug therapies and exercise, to maximally retard the aging process.

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RESEARCH CENTERS

Center for Healthy Aging Research
http://www.hhs.oregonstate.edu/healthyaging/index.html
Oregon State University
321 Milam Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-5102
Tel: (541) 737-4336
Fax: (541) 737-1076
Center for innovative research, education, and outreach that enhances quality of life for older adults, their families, and society. Center includes the Linus Pauling Institute (see below).

Healthy Aging Research Networks
http://depts.washington.edu/harn/
Health Promotion Research Center
University of Washington
1107 NE 45th Street, Ste. 200
Seattle, WA 98105
Tel: (206) 616-1012
Fax: (206) 543-8841
CDC-funded research centers, with lead center at the University of Washington. Mostly conventional medicine, though with attention to nutrition. A list of all the centers is at:
https://depts.washington.edu/harn/publications/hanbrochure2005.pdf

Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI)
http://www.kronosinstitute.org/
2390 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 440
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Tel: (866) 840-1117
Fax: (602) 778-7490
Email: info@kronosinstitute.org
A non-profit that conducts clinical translational research--taking promising findings from the basic research laboratory and carrying them forward into the clinical arena--on the prevention of age-related diseases and the extension of healthier human life.

Linus Pauling Institute
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/
Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
571 Weniger Hall | Corvallis, Oregon 97331-6512
Tel: (541) 737-5075
Fax: (541) 737-5077
Email: lpi@oregonstate.edu
Conducts research under the auspices of Oregon State University's Center for Healthy Aging Research (above) on the roles of micronutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in promoting optimum health and preventing and treating disease.

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
http://www.nih.gov/nia/
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 496-1752
The NIA is one of the institutes of the National Institutes of Health and provides leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.

National Aging Research Institute Incorporated (NARI)
http://www.mednwh.unimelb.edu.au/
PO Box 31
Parkville VIC 3052
Australia
Phone: +61 3 8387-2305
Fax: +61 3 9387 4030
Email: info@nari.unimelb.edu.au
NARI conducts research on all aspects of the biology of aging, clinical care and health services, and health needs of the aged.

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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Administration on Aging (AoA)
http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/
330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
Toll Free: (800) 677-1116
Phone:  (202) 619-7501
Fax: (202) 260-1012
Email: aoainfo@aoa.gov
The AoA develops and supports comprehensive in-home and community services that create opportunities for active older persons and meet the needs of older persons at risk of losing their independence.  Visit the AoA web site for comprehensive information for older persons and their families, practitioners and other professionals, and researchers and students.

American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
http://www.worldhealth.net/
1510 w Montan Street West Fullerton, Suite 111
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 528-1000
Fax: (773) 528-5390
Email: info@worldhealth.net

Boca Raton Office:
301 Yamato Rd, Ste. 2199
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 997-0112
Fax: (561) 997-0287
Email: info@worldhealth.net
This organization was formed to expand the knowledge of anti-aging medicine to the medical world.  It regularly publishes material about the use of anti-aging nutrients, drugs and other practices that may benefit humankind by slowing, reversing, and eventually stopping the aging process. 

AARP
http://www.aarp.org/indexes/health.html
601 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20049
Phone: (888) OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
Email: member@aarp.org or click on "Contact AARP" from the home page
The AARP is the nation's largest organization of midlife and older persons, and focuses on information and education, community service, legislative, judicial and consumer advocacy, and member services.  This site has information on alternative medicine resources, and insurance coverage and cost-effectiveness of alternative medicine.

National Council on Aging (NCOA)
http://www.ncoa.org/
1901 L street, NW
4th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 479-1200
Fax: (202) 479-0735
TDD: (202) 479-6674
Email: info@ncoa.org
The NCOA is an association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and contributions of older persons. Regional offices are located in California, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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SELF-HELP & REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS

Gordon Research Institute
http://www.gordonresearch.com/
600 M/ Beeline Hwy, Ste. B
Payson, AZ 85541
Tel: (928) 472-4263
Fax: (928) 474-3819
Email: ggordon@gordonresearch.com
Garry F. Gordon, MD, DO, MD(H), offers information on numerous topics related to healthy aging and an on-line forum for medical professionals.

National Program on Women and Aging
http://iasp.brandeis.edu/womenandaging/index.html
Heller Graduate School
MS 035
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Toll Free: (800) 929-1995
Phone: (781) 736-3826 or 3863
Fax: (781) 736-3865
Email: NATWOMCTR@brandeis.edu
This organization focuses national attention on the special problems of women as they age, develops solutions and strategies for dealing with these problems, and reaches out to women and organizations across the country, promoting the changes necessary to improve older women's problems.

The Resource Directory for Older People
http://www.aoa.gov/
The Resource Directory for Older People is intended to serve a wide audience including older people and their families and others with an interest in the field of aging. The directory contains names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations which provide information and other resources on matters relevant to the needs of older persons. A number of Fact Sheets are available at:
http://www.aoa.gov/press/prodsmats/fact/fact.aspx

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TREATMENT CENTERS

New York Memory Services
http://www.nymemory.org/index.html

NY Memory Services
65 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 517-6881
Email: info@nymemory.org
This center offers a healthy aging program and a holistic anti-aging program, using ancient Indic (Tibetan and Ayurvedic) and behavioral and life-style changes.

Nevada Center of Alternative & Anti-Aging Medicine
http://www.antiagingmedicine.com/
1231 Country Club Drive
Carson City, NV 89703
Tel: (775) 884-3990
Fax: (775) 884-2202
Email: via form at: http://www.antiagingmedicine.com/contact.php
Directed by a board-certified physician, offers a long list of CAM anti-aging treatments.

The Resource Directory for Older People
http://www.aoa.gov/
The Resource Directory for Older People is intended to serve a wide audience including older people and their families and others with an interest in the field of aging. The directory contains names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations which provide information and other resources on matters relevant to the needs of older persons. A number of Fact Sheets are available at:
http://www.aoa.gov/press/prodsmats/fact/fact.aspx

Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center
http://www.treeoflife.nu/
686 Harshaw Road (location)
PO Box 778 (mailing)
Patagonia, AZ 85624
Toll-free: 1 (866) 394 2520
Email: form web page at: http://www.treeoflife.nu/contactus
Offers fasting, detoxification, spirituality and holistic health education programs.

Wise and Healthy Aging
http://www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/cms/home.html

Main locations:

1527 4th St., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 394-9871
Email: info@wiseandhealthyaging.org

Adult Day Service Center
1510 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 452-7802

Wise and Healthy Aging is a nonprofit agency that provides programs, services, information and support for seniors, caregivers, and professionals in the aging field.

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GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

WEB RESOURCES

Promotional and commercial sites are not included in this listing unless they provide significant impartial information resources.

Ask Doctor Mau
http://www.askdrmao.com
Information site of Dr. Maoshing Ni offering a natural health search engine and focusing on longevity and Chinese medicine.

Gordon Research Institute
http://www.gordonresearch.com
Garry F. Gordon, MD, DO, MD(H), offers information on numerous topics related to healthy aging and an on-line forum for medical professionals.

Medical Articles - Health Topics, Reviews and Counseling Articles
http://www.HealthandAge.com/
http://www.HealthandAge.com/
An educational web center to promote interaction between the public and healthcare professionals.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
This easy-to-use website features health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. Use the buttons at the top of each page to make the text bigger, change text color, or hear the text read aloud.

UB Vision Web Directories - Health: Senior Health
http://www.ultrabrowser.com/z1000_en/channels/Health/seniorhealth1_c.htm
Provides links to a range of relevant organizations for healthy aging.

WebMD - Healthy Aging Center
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/default.htm
Includes an overview and sections on the latest headlines, resources, top search terms, and nutrition.

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