It’s a new year and a new opportunity to plunge into the latest reads from both favorite and new authors. For many, the success of the year is measured by how many books are consumed throughout the year. If you’re a constant book reader, you may be surprised to learn that you are in the minority. According to a recent article in The Washington Post, 46% of the US population failed to finish even one book last year, and only 5% finished one book. So, according to this article, if you managed to devour a book a week, you’re in the top 1% of all book readers in the country. Give yourself a pat on the back and find out more here. And if you’re looking to get a head start on this year’s likely best sellers, take a look at Oprah’s most anticipated books of 2024.

If you’re in search of some titles that correspond to your 2024 healthy aging goals, then we’ve got some recommendations as well. First, consider the new book by Dr. Michael Greger, the best-selling author, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org. We’ve noted his work previously, and now he has a new book entitled How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older. Reviewing the healthy aging research from over 20,000 studies and journal articles, Dr. Greger has synthesized the results and advice into a very practical book that can empower you to alter your diet and improve your lifestyle so you can age in a healthier, more capable way. To find out more about his “Anti-Aging Eight” recommended foods and his approach to healthy living, grab a handful of walnuts and read an interview with Dr. Greger here.

Dr. Anthony Youn, a “holistic plastic surgeon” who has a wide following on social media and who espouses many natural alternatives to cosmetic procedures, also has a new book entitled Younger for Life: Feel Great and Look Your Best with the New Science of Autojuvenation. Dr. Youn promotes the concept of “autojuvenation” whereby the body, including the skin, can repair and return itself to a younger, more vital state if you give it the tools to do so. With more than 8 million followers on TikTok and a million followers on Instagram, his message is clearly resonating. He believes that eating well is the foundation for younger, better skin and his book provides the recommendations he gives his patients before they consider cosmetic interventions. He’s a big promoter of a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, along with proteins, and he also recommends supplements and probiotics, along with such scientifically-based skin care products as retinol and vitamin C (and of course sunscreen). You can listen to Dr. Youn discuss his book here.

Finally, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon has a new book entitled Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well. Dr. Lyon is a strong proponent of the importance of muscle mass as a way to support healthy aging. She too believes increased protein intake is critical for aging in a healthier way, and that a strong skeletal muscle system is a foundational necessity if you want to be a functional and effective older adult. Believing that “lifting (weights) is non-negotiable for women,” Dr. Lyon’s book is intended for those who want to live long and strong lives but are not gym “rats.” You can read an interview with Dr. Lyon, and better understand her background and philosophy, here.