Every month I pick three books worth your time. This month all three are about the same thing we talk about here: staying strong, sharp and independent as we get older. They’re all on the bestseller lists right now.
1. Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body by Andrew Huberman, PhD
If you’ve listened to podcasts at all in the last few years, you’ve probably heard of Dr. Huberman. He’s a Stanford neuroscientist, and his health podcast is one of the most popular in the world. Protocols is his first book, and it’s built around one simple idea: small daily habits, done consistently, change how you feel.
He covers the basics that matter most at our age, including sleep, energy, mood and stress, and he includes protocols for getting stronger and leaner at any age. For each one he explains the science in plain language, then tells you exactly what to do.
It’s a big book at over 500 pages, but you don’t have to read it front to back. Pick the chapter you need most, probably sleep, and start there.
Great for: anyone who wants one solid reference book on the shelf for all-around health.
2. Heal Your Cells by Dr. Josh Axe and Dr. Will Cole
Ever feel like you’re doing everything right, eating well, taking your vitamins, getting your walks in, and you still feel worn out? That’s the question this book tries to answer. The authors argue that tiredness, brain fog, gut trouble and hormone changes are all early signs that our cells aren’t working the way they should.
The book walks you through foods that support your cells, like bone broth, pomegranate and fermented foods, along with ideas about meal timing. There’s also a quiz that tries to show whether one part of your body is aging faster than the rest.
One honest note from me: Dr. Axe comes from the natural and functional medicine world, and some of what he suggests, like supplements and fasting, is worth running by your own doctor first, especially if you take medications. The food advice, though, is something most of us can use right away.
Great for: readers who feel tired all the time and want a food-first plan to try.
3. Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power by Dr. Vonda Wright
Ladies, this one is for you. Dr. Wright is an orthopedic surgeon who has spent over 20 years helping people stay active as they age. Her message is simple: getting older doesn’t have to mean getting weaker.
She explains how menopause speeds up the loss of muscle and bone, which is what leads to falls, broken bones and losing your independence later on. Then she gives you a plan to fight back, covering nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, with a six-week exercise program, the blood and mobility tests worth asking your doctor about, and twenty easy anti-inflammatory recipes.
If you’ve read my posts on building muscle after 60, you know how much I believe in strength training. This book makes that case better than almost anything I’ve read.
Great for: any woman over 50, and honestly any man who wants to understand what his wife or sister is going through.
What are you reading this month?
Tell me in the comments or in our Facebook group. I’m always looking for the next good one.
What do you think? Have a tip, question, or personal experience to share? We’d love to hear from you. After 50, there’s always something new to discover—and your thoughts might help someone else, too!