Preface: At RestlessUrban, we are dedicated to the belief that each person has a unique journey to well-being in middle age. There is no direct path and no single list of answers meant to guide us all. This book review is personal to my journey and is being shared to stimulate thought and reflection. For me, the read was profound and helped me start my journey to wellness. If nothing else, let’s start a conversation around the book’s premises and ideas. In the end, you will decide what is right for you. For me, this book was the right fit. Each season, we will explore books that help us think and consider as we walk the path to wellness. 

A Roadmap For The Journey Through Middle Age and Beyond

Feeling like time is catching up with you? It doesn’t have to be that way. Younger Next Year, written by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry S. Lodge, is a powerful and practical guide for middle-aged adults (and beyond) who want to stay healthy, happy, and thriving. It’s not about turning back the clock—it’s about creating a life where you feel younger, stronger, and more alive every day.

Here’s why this book deserves a place on your bookshelf—and why it left me inspired and eager to take action.

A Roadmap for Aging Well

At its heart, Younger Next Year is a roadmap for “growing younger” by making choices that improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. The authors—Chris Crowley, a witty and relatable septuagenarian, and Dr. Henry Lodge, a highly respected physician—deliver a bold, science-backed message. They argue that you can not only maintain your quality of life as you age but actually improve it by focusing on a few simple, sustainable habits.

This isn’t a book filled with rigid rules or impossible expectations. It’s engaging, encouraging, and—most importantly—doable.

The Concept of “The Dwindles”

A standout idea from the book is something the authors call the “dwindles.” This refers to the gradual physical, mental, and emotional decline that can happen if we stop caring for ourselves. Sound daunting? Don’t worry. The authors don’t present the dwindles as inevitable!

Instead, they frame it as an empowering rallying cry. Each step you take—whether it’s regular exercise, meaningful social connections, or finding your sense of purpose—is a way to fight back, saying, “Not today, dwindles!”

What I loved about this approach is that it brings a sense of urgency but doesn’t feel fear-driven. It’s practical and actionable. The book asks, “Why settle for slowing down when you can get stronger, healthier, and more engaged in life?”

Key Highlights from Younger Next Year

Here are my favorite takeaways from the book—think of this as your cheat sheet to growing younger!

1. Daily Movement is Non-Negotiable: The authors hammer this point home—staying active is crucial to maintaining and improving your health. But don’t worry about extreme workouts. It’s about finding ways to move every day that feel good to you.

2. Strength Training is for Everyone: Building muscle isn’t just for gym lovers. It’s essential for balance, injury prevention, and overall vitality as we age. And honestly? Lifting weights makes you feel awesome!

3. Community is Key: Meaningful connections keep us young. Social ties, friendships, and a sense of belonging play a huge role in our happiness and health.

4. Eat Real, Fuel Right: Forget restrictive diets. It’s all about eating whole, real foods that nourish your body and give you the energy to thrive.

5. Find Your Purpose: Your sense of purpose matters as much as physical strength. Having a reason to get out of bed—whether it’s tending a garden, learning a hobby, or connecting with your community—is a powerful way to stay mentally and emotionally young.

Why You’ll Love Younger Next Year

What sets this book apart is its tone. The combination of Chris Crowley’s warm, humorous storytelling and Dr. Lodge’s science-based insights make the content approachable and actionable. It doesn’t sugarcoat the work required to “grow younger,” but it inspires you by showing that small, consistent habits can have a huge impact. It’s not just a book about aging gracefully—it’s a book about aging boldly, with curiosity, enthusiasm, and the conviction that your best years can still be ahead of you.

Final Thoughts

Younger Next Year is more than a book—it’s an invitation to reimagine what aging can look like. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or someone just starting to think about this phase of life, the guidance here is practical, relatable, and deeply inspiring. If you’re ready to fight back the “dwindles” and build a future that’s vibrant and fulfilling, this book will light a spark in you. Treat yourself to this empowering read—you won’t regret it.

Call to Action

Feeling inspired? Share your thoughts below or grab your copy of Younger Next Year. And don’t forget to prioritize you—move, connect, and live with purpose. Because aging isn’t the end of the adventure—it’s the start of an exciting new chapter!