What's Age Got to Do With It? Not a Thing

I've been off-line for a while for a variety of reasons: work, travel, computer issues, etc.  In other words, the common everyday challenges and time drains of modern life.  It's no surprise that most of us feel as though we don't have time to stop and smell the roses--we don't.

In Robin McGraw's latest, What's Age Got to Do With It, she encourages the reader--who she most likely expects to be a woman in the throes of middle age--to do more than stop and smell the roses. She expects them to wear make-up, take time for themselves, care about fashion and fitness. Because after all as the cover photo clearly demonstrates, this approach has worked for her and at fifty-five she looks fantastic. The book's sub-title, Living Your Happiest & Healthiest Life, is an ambitious proposition for any book-- to say the least--and unfortunately one she and the publisher should have avoided with this one. The book is not ambitious and it is doubtful that anyone will be living their happiest and healthiest life simply by following Robin's advice.

"What's Age Got to Do With It?", is largely a re-hash of many common sense advice columns written over the past decade. Eat right--check, exercise regularly--check, understand that your body changes as you age--check. Get the picture. In other words, this book really is nothing new or earth shattering. Of course, most self-help books cover the same ground time and time again. There is nothing wrong with this approach since most people buy self-help tips from people they can relate to in some way, shape or form. 

Many people are familiar with Robin McGraw thanks largely to her husband Dr. Phil McGraw's daily talk show and her frequent appearances on it. Like many people who come into our lives via television or other media outlets, it is easy for many to feel that she is someone they know, understand and respect. So if you like Robin McGraw, you may find something in this book that is worth the cover price. However, if you're not a fan, you can save your money and read a few back issues of magazines like More, Self or Women's Health and get the same advice from equally if not more qualified sources.