December Newsletter

I stopped drinking for a year as part of a commitment to improving my health. I wanted to get back in shape, eat better and pay more attention to my diet as I moved into my fifties. Eight years later, I’m still not drinking. I don’t miss the alcohol. But it can be awkward to be the only one not imbibing at a social gathering. It’s also hard to find a non-alcoholic beverage other than a sugary soft drink or plain sparkling water, especially at a bar or restaurant. Ordering iced tea when the rest of the gang is getting margaritas just seems a bit off! Fortunately, over the last five years, two things have occurred to improve the situation for those of us taking a break from booze: More and more people have become “sober-curious” - Dry January and Sober October are now a real thing. And the variety and quality of alcohol-free offerings have improved. If you're considering a break from booze or just want an alternative on occasion, you should check out the new blog post on the SecondFifty Website for a review of the best craft non-alcoholic beer and other non-alcoholic options. SecondFifty Review of NA Beer and NA Drinks.

Anyone making resolutions in 2022? I’m going to try to cut down on meat. Last year I did well until the summer. Not so well after that. I'm not a perfect eater, and diet is such a personal choice. Still, the evidence is strong that reducing processed food and meat contributes to better long-term health. Especially important in Covid Times.Here are two recent articles with common sense information about what comprises a healthy diet.

• A Plant-Based Diet is the Best Way to Avoid Heart Disease, from The Washington Post

• A Heart-Healthy Way to Eat, Aim for an overall healthful dietary pattern, rather than focusing on “good” or “bad” foods, from The New York Times

I’m considering hosting a very short live ZOOM webinar (20 minutes max) in the coming weeks to demonstrate a simple daily mobility routine and highlight compelling research about just how little movement is needed to substantially improve the longevity of the mind and body. We absolutely need physical activity to age well, but we don't need that much to positively impact health. If you would be interested in such a live Zoom and discussion, please reply to this newsletter with a “yes."Here's to health and happiness in the New Year! Cheers, George. PS, look for an upcoming guest post from retinal surgeon Dr. William F. Deegan about how to care for our eyes as we age.

Stay Strong. Age Well.

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Who sent this letter:

I'm George Harrop, founder of

SecondFifty.Blog

—an online resource for people who want to prioritize their health and wellbeing by taking a common-sense approach to nutrition and fitness. Many modern middle-aged people have spent the previous decades building careers and raising families. 

Now we're committed to getting and staying fit during the second half of our lives. We're on a mission to age with more agility and ease! Join us →