Before the visit, I read a book that contained a common-sense approach to optimizing health, improving the quality of life  and, possibly, extending that life. Everything I expected was covered - fitness, nutrition, balance (time management), mind-body. And a few surprises - illustrated exercises, recipes, motivational hints, saboteurs of healthy weight, how to make the Canyon Ranch principles part of your life, emotional and sexual intimacy, and what "living younger longer" means (from anthropologist Ashley Montague's description of ancient Greeks whose ideal was to "die young, as late as possible.").

After the visit, I read a book that transported me back to the classes  I took at Canyon Ranch. The fact that the staff of Canyon Ranch contributed to the book became more evident and important to me. Much of the material that was presented in lectures and classes I attended were found in the chapters. The book covers the whys as well as the how-tos with illustrations. Reading the book again was almost like visiting Canyon Ranch again. 

For over 20 years, Canyon Ranch has helped tens of thousands of guests achieve their goals of improved health through fitness, stress reduction, nutritional guidance, weight loss, spiritual awareness, and more. It has shown its guests how to influence their psychological clock (how old we are mentally and emotionally) and their biological clock (how well we function as we age). Living Younger Longer does a great job of capturing the spirit and the philosophy of Canyon Ranch. It is as close as you can get to having a spa-in-a-book. Whether you've been to Canyon Ranch or not, this practical and inspiring book can change your life. The tools are all there for you to take control of your health and quality of living. All you need is a little self-motivation to put the tools to use. Buy this book. Use it every day. Share it. 

By the way, this will be the my gift of choice in 2003. So dear daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and friends, you will know what to expect - the gift of a healthier, more vibrant life (if you choose to use it!).