According to psychology coach Lynne Dorling, there are eight positive character traits common to what she calls 'super agers'

HEALTH BOOKS

AGING REWIRED 

(Matador £14.99, 184 pp)

At last! A book about ageing that does not call for extreme diets, ice baths or the fitness regime of an Olympian. This one starts in your head — harnessing the power of your mind to reframe how you age.

According to psychology coach Lynne Dorling, there are eight positive character traits common to what she calls 'super agers': they're resilient, with backbone and the determination to bounce back; endlessly curious — every day is a school day, even in your 80s; adaptable and open to change; they remain connected to others, and they pursue their passions. Yes, hobbies can help you live longer.

The joy is that this is all eminently achievable — and if you're still not convinced, there are tips to convert yourself into a super ager. As we all live longer, a book which tells you how to age better seems, well, a no-brainer.

Natasha Poliszczuk recommends  a selection of the best books to read around health and wellbeing 

In this rivetingly candid memoir, Prowse admits she celebrates her success while 'dying inside'

WOMEN LIKE US: A MEMOIR 

(Little A £8.99, 396 pp)

Amanda Prowse is a bestselling author of 26 novels and a regular on daytime TV, where she always radiates self-confidence.

But it's all a front. Because in this rivetingly candid memoir, Prowse admits she celebrates her success while 'dying inside'.

And it is every bit as gripping as her novels. Prowse charts her toxic relationship with her body and food — from a sturdy little girl who bore scant resemblance to her model mother, to an adult life trapped in a devastating cycle of yo-yo dieting, food addiction and self-loathing.

But the love of her husband, combined with her tenacity, propels her onwards. It's hard not to cheer as she reclaims her body, her life and her happiness.

Former Newcastle United star Paul Ferris was just 49 when he was poleaxed by a diagnosis of prostate cancer

THE MAGIC IN THE TIN 

(Bloomsbury £16.99, 240 pp)

Former Newcastle United star Paul Ferris was just 49 when he was poleaxed by a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

There is no sugar-coating the painful reality of his journey through treatment, but Ferris brings humour to the darkness.

He realises he is in for the fight of his life — but he is 'up for it'.

Ferris has had a successful life but this profoundly moving memoir will perhaps be his most important legacy.

It will hold the hands of men unfortunate enough to face the same fight and encourage others not to remain silent. 

Inspirational.

Spector, the renowned epidemiologist behind the Covid Symptom Study, now wants to change the way we think about food

FOOOD FOR LIFE 

(Cape £20, 528 pp)

Spector, the renowned epidemiologist behind the Covid Symptom Study, now wants to change the way we think about food and what we eat with this illuminating book.

It's both an in-depth look at the importance of our 'gut biome' and a handy guide to upgrading your grocery shop.

This is less daunting than you might think.

We can all aim for 30 servings of plant-based food (this includes vegetables and spices) a week; and there's good news for anyone who likes tea, coffee, or red wine — they're packed with gut-enhancing polyphenols.

No fads, no nonsense, just practical, science-based advice on how to eat well.

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