Dr. Michael Brickey, Ph.D.

Anti Aging Psychology 
Monthly Column

Dr. Michael Brickey is the nation’s preeminent Anti Aging psychologist, the author of the Oprah-featured book, Defy Aging, and recently released, 52 baby steps to Grow Young and the noted columnist “Ask Dr. Ageless”.

Dr. Michael Brickey is the President of Ageless Lifestyles Institute that provides research, speaking, publishing, and coaching services to blaze new trails for helping people live longer, healthier, and happier.

Seniors Who Rock

It started as a BBC (British Broadcasting Co.) documentary on seniors who were unhappy with being isolated in their homes or unhappy with nursing home living. As 90-year-old lead singer Alfie Carretta put it, "Old people in this country are just brushed to one side, like rubbish, past our sell-by date."

It led to forming a 40 member rock band whose video has been seen more than 2 million times on YouTube and MySpace and who has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The group has requests for appearances in more than 50 countries.

Betting on Yourself

Want to make some money, and encourage yourself to stay healthy at the same time? Bet someone you will live to 100 (or older)!

250:1 odds. I'd love to take that bet. Ten years ago Englishman Alec Holden placed a £100 bet with his bookie that he would live to 100. He recently cashed in on that $200 bet and received $50,000.

You won't be able to get the 250:1 odds these days. Rupert Adams, spokesperson for the bookie, said, "When we started taking these bets, 100 years old seemed to be an almost mythical landmark and we were prepared to offer massive odds. But these age wagers are starting to cost us a fortune and from now on we are going to push out the age to 110.

Aging Helps Your EQ

Pat Nicolino, a corporate consultant friend, was catching me up on what has happen since I saw last saw her. In short, she is having great success at turning around yet another company and has never felt better or enjoyed herself more.

"I'm 56 now and I have 20 more EQ points than when I was 36," she said with exuberance. "At 36 I would have been clueless about how to accomplish things that I now do with ease." Everyone knows what IQ is. EQ, she explained, is experience helping you know how to get things done and doing them.

Hip Centenarians

The US Census Bureau estimates there currently are 80,000 Americans who are 100+ years old. Evercare conducted its second annual 100@100 survey of 100 Americans who are 99 years and older. The results looked a lot like people in their forties or sixties. To site some examples:

--27% have watched MTV or music videos
--31% have watched reality TV programs
--4% have listened to music on an I-pod
--72% have eaten at a fast food restaurant
--11% have had coffee at a Starbucks

What it Takes to Defy Aging

We all want to just be able to take a pill and feel, look, and be younger. I also would like to buy a lottery ticket and win millions. The pill may happen in your lifetime. But in the meantime, the solution is a little more complicated. My take is that you need a four-pronged approach:

1. Target your Weakest Link
Ask yourself, "If I were to develop a health problem that is life threatening or compromises my quality of life, what would it be? That is you weakest link. For example, about fifteen years ago I was having a lot of problems with herniated discs and the problem kept getting worse. I decided to do whatever it takes to resolve the problem. I consulted with several posture experts who showed me exercises to improve my posture. I haven't had any significant back problems since then. If you have a family history of cancer, you need to study up on it and take preventive measures. If you have a family history of heart disease, you need to pay special attention to prevention. If you have chronic sinus problems you may need to frequently irrigate your sinuses. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, your weakest link is what will do you in.

The Report Card for Seniors

The news emphasizes what's wrong and it is easy to get the impression that seniors' health and well being are getting worse. Not so. The National Institute on Aging released its study, 65+ in the United States: 2005. The study found that for Americans over 65:

Who Are Your Heroes

When we were kids we had lots of heroes-perhaps they were football stars, cowboys, movie stars, TV stars, rock stars, or even our parents or teachers. Many people outgrow their heroes and don't replace them with new ones. Perhaps they think heroes are just for kids. If you want to be youthful, do what youthful people do. Youthful people have heroes.

I often see clients who see trust as an all or nothing issue. They either trust someone or they don't. This is a bad idea. I can't think of anyone I trust on all matters, e.g.,

~to honestly say what they think (some people are "too nice" to risk hurting your feelings)
~to be honest and responsible with money
~to speak up when you are making a bad decision
~to be punctual
~to help with problems
~to keep a secret
~to be loyal
~to follow through, etc.