Lifelong Health: Achieving Optimum Well-Being at Any Age

Dr. Anthony A. Goodman’s common-sense insights, based on decades of experience as a surgeon and academic, are the greatest strength of his course, “Lifelong Health: Achieving Optimum Well-Being at Any Age.” His manner is so earnest, compassionate, and conversational that my wife and I felt we had been treated to inspirational “fireside chats.” Dr. Goodman speaks in a relatable manner, confiding his own experiences while discussing aging, weight control, allergies, inherited genetic weaknesses, women’s particular health issues, men’s issues, dealing with stress, making lifestyle choices, emotional and spiritual well-being, facing unsettling diagnoses and/or surgeries, and even confronting mortality. Matters related to aging receive the greatest attention. Dr. Goodman emphasizes these four themes: small changes can make a big difference, moderation is key, aging is a natural eventuality, and you always do have opportunities to optimize enjoyment of your life. Dr. Goodman engages in convincing myth-busting and does not shy away from describing how there are many fad diets and aggressively advertised nostrums and hoaxes that do not deserve our attention. Commendably, he is careful to make clear when he is presenting data, as distinct from when he is giving his own personal viewpoints. Also, this course’s guidebook is one of the best provided for any of the Great Courses I’ve studied, with 46 pages of supplemental material beyond the lecture-by-lecture summaries. It is because of what might be called the attitudinal principles Dr. Goodman teaches that I rate his course as excellent. He makes me believe that I have considerable control over my well-being, despite challenges that may confront me. Since studying this course, I’ve already made some lifestyle changes, especially encouraged by his message that even small “course corrections” can result in rerouting one’s journey. The scientific content of Dr. Goodman’s lectures is quite good, in my opinion, though not as excellent as the attitudinal component that I’ve praised. He provides the gist of general information, presented fairly briskly, about human body chemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthful nutrition, healthful exercises, medical screening tests, research experiments, and various surgical procedures. Keeping close tabs on one’s medical and mental health receives proper emphasis, though mention of regular dental care is surprisingly absent. Had the sole focus of this course been its scientific content, I’d have expected more comprehensive and precise instruction. I consider the science here just a bit “thin” and am calling that my first caveat to draw to the attention of prospective students. For example, Dr. Goodman makes reference several times to an average daily consumption of around 2000 calories per day. For whom exactly that is average is not always clear in each instance. For a man? A woman? An American? An average world citizen? How old? How large? To be fair, I admit that this course is designed to get us to address our own questions thoughtfully. Dr. Goodman points out that students ought to be seeking additional information from their own medical professionals, exercise trainers, other teachers, and the resources listed in the course guidebook. The other caveat I’ll mention is about something to which Dr. Goodman himself alludes. Many scientific fields relating to human well-being are changing very rapidly. This course has, in fact, become scientifically rather dated. I am writing my review in 2023, and the course was produced in 2010. I want to be clear that I bless the day that I ordered the course, but everyone should at least realize that the passage of time since it came out is another reason why one may need to follow up with further research, instead of assuming that the scientific content in Dr. Goodman’s lectures is “perfectly fresh.” Please study this course, anyway. Remember that its attitudinal content is valuable and timeless!

Comprehensive and clearly explained. It was so thorough that bought extra copied for Christmas presents. Time to get my relatives and friends healthy. Then best part is that you don't have to buy programs to lose weight and it is flexible to meet your specific needs.

Lots of good information to help develop a healthy lifestyle in my senior years. Presenter is easy to understand. Would not have purchased this course were it not for the sale price.

I just ordered six new courses because of a sale. I started watch Foundation’s of Eastern Civilization and it’s incredible! Great Courses never disappoints! Thank you!

excellent course, given by an excellent teacher. Nothing bad to say - thoroughly enjoyed Prof Goodman's presentation, style, information. Motivates you to take better care of yourself.

This recorded series is well worth your time. The presentation is given at an enjoyable pace by the excellent speaker, Dr Goodman. The presentation style is more like a conversation with you than as a lecture. The presenter anticipates your possible questions and concern during the presentation. Don't miss this one!

I'm 62 years old and wanted to learn more about keeping healthy now and in the future. This course in an excellent resource to help understand the aging process and how to maintain good health. This course has increased my knowledge and I'll refer back to this course in the years to come. Excellent course.

As always he quality of the course s first class. Very interesting and informative, I have about 40 of these courses and I have never been disappointed. I am a retired manufacturing technical guy and have used The great curses to fill in the Arts and History I neglected during my careers