Book excerpt: Everybody ages, so why not embrace it? Filled with practical advice for happy, healthy, and independent aging to understand and overcome the changes ahead. Currently, there are over 95 million Americans who are 50 years old or older, more than at any time in our history. This demographic shift is expected to continue. While recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of several disorders have contributed to our increased longevity, we are at greater risk of age-related health conditions. But these age-related health conditions are modifiable. We have a say in how we age! In Embrace Aging:Conquer Your Fears and Enjoy Added Years, Dr. Jeannette Guerrasio empowers people over 50 by guiding them with practical advice for happy, healthy, and independent aging. Combining her clinical experience with thousands of elderly patients, as well as her knowledge of cutting-edge research, Dr. Guerrasio focuses on the everyday aspects of aging to help readers understand how their bodies change with age and how best to overcome and adapt to these changes. Encompassing an astonishingly wide range of topics, Embrace Aging covers subjects commonly associated with aging from osteoporosis to cognitive impairment as well as concerns that other books ignore, such as constipation, medication dosing, sexual dysfunction, and home safety. Embracing traditional as well as alternative medicine, Dr. Guerrasio focuses on proven methods and treatments; there are no false promises. Moreover, she generously shares both her own and her patients’ experiences. Filled with tips and optimism, the author’s warmth and compassion shine through on every page. This valuable guide ensures that getting old is a joyful experience.