Suzi Grant tells us how to age healthily
31/01/2007
It's always refreshing to find someone who walks the walk, and Suzi Grant, nutritional therapist, health journalist and acclaimed author, certainly does that. Now in her mid-50s - and gorgeous with it - she lives life to the full, cares passionately about her health, and is packed full of sensible advice.
Her latest book "Alternative Ageing" is the perfect inspiration for anyone who wants to grow old healthily, youthfully, naturally - and disgracefully. Far from the usual finger-wagging, holier-than-thou approach taken by so many, Suzi writes with real empathy and understanding for women (and men) living stressful lives who are under increasing pressure to look good as they age.
Suzi was born in London to a Bulgarian mother, and currently lives in Brighton. Until 20 years ago she was a fast-living, chain-smoking stressed out, heavy drinking journalist. Then suddenly her mother died of a heart attack - and things changed.
"The fact that my mother was Bulgarian had a huge influence on me, because I was brought up on a really healthy Bulgarian diet, which is like Middle Eastern food, with salads, live yoghurt - and especially olive oil. And of course in the 50s, the only place you could buy that in the UK was at the chemists!
"When she died, aged 61, it was a real wake-up call, because there was no history of heart disease in the family. It was down to her lifestyle - she was over-weight and never exercised. And 61 isn't that old. After that I calmed down, moved the countryside with a new job, and I began to pay attention to my health. I'd always loved Leslie Kenton's books, so it was an area of interest I was already passionate about. The move made it possible for me to go to bed early, get up early, walk the dog - and make the life changes I needed."
Q: You have dedicated Alternative Ageing to baby boomers everywhere. But it seems more geared to women. Is that because ageing is more of a problem for women than men?
"I'm afraid so. It hits women harder, they become invisible. But lots of gay men love my book and write to me a lot, and other men too. I just don't treat men so much. And I guess I've lived with enough men in my life to know how difficult it is for them to change! But actually, apart from the chapter on hormones, everything in the book applies equally to men as well as women.
"But, you know, I haven't met one women over 40 - let alone over 50 - who hasn't begun to feel invisible. If we're not young, blonde, perfect with pert boobs, toned and tanned, our culture doesn't 'see' us. I mean, why do we have to airbrush pictures of older women? It's ridiculous. I'd go mad if they did that to me.
"It's cultural, though. In Italy, France, Spain and India - where I've just come back from - women of all ages are shown interest and respect. But you know, whatever her age, if a woman feels good, happy and healthy, she exudes confidence - and that is attractive."
Q: You say in the book that "ageing is inevitable - but that ageing badly and unhealthily isn't".
"It isn't. I mean, there are obvious things that will make you age badly, like smoking. We all know that. But ageing 'badly' also means not making the most of what you've got in simple, natural ways, like nutrition, keeping your hair and nails good, dressing well. But I believe that nutrition is the most important thing. Its like a car. You put the right fuel in, do some general maintenance, and it can run for ever. And you can have fun with it too. Sundays is my 'eat anything day' - biscuits, cakes, whatever.
"And equally important is exercise. You have to do SOMETHING - walk the dog, yoga, whatever, or you will RUST!"
Q: How many of your sensible suggestions can they be done within a full-time working environment - and bringing up kids?
"Its difficult. About 99% of people ask me this. But most people come to me with a real problem, like IBS or Candida, and I say prepare food to take to work, go for a lunchtime stroll, lock yourself in the loo for ten minutes after lunch and just lie down and relax. Or find a park bench to sit on, close your eyes.
"People CAN fit things in, and health is the most important thing we have. Frankly, I don't think people over 50 should be working 9-5 five days a week, it's not right. But we all have to make choices. I've got clients who are really ill because they work on long-haul flights, and the truth is that only leaving their jobs will make them better."
Q: What effect do you think things like stress, lack of self-nurture, mobile phone radiation, long-haul travel and so forth, have on ageing badly?
"A huge amount, huge. for example, the statistics for the health benefits of using meditation to alleviate stress are staggering. Staggering. I'm a firm believer in the mind/body/spirit connection, and excess technology especially can really make us more stressed out. I know people who have really bad cancer, who have lived the 'mobile' lifestyle on adreneline, and it's well, pretty obvious, the effects."
Q: What about the value of touch, sex and general TLC - like hugging or massage?
"Sex is very important for health and well-being. And if you haven't got that for whatever reason, then get a massage or a pet. We all need touch, the hands-on. It's vital - and many older people can become isolated physically. Who touches them? Especially with all these modern rules and regulations about 'touching'. And gardening is good, very self-nurturing. Ah. Maybe that's why older people suddenly start to like gardening - I hadn't thought of that.
"There is so much evidence that longevity is really down to lack of stress, fresh air and physical exercise. And sadly, in our society, very few people have that option."
Q: In your view, what are the most common problems for people over 50 plus?
"Sleep - or rather the lack of it. Sleep is so vital to good health, because that's when the body's regeneration processes take place. Then there's menopause, arthritis, digestive problems, weight gain and a general lack of energy. And you know, ALL of these things can be addressed. They are avoidable. But we just think they are part of aging - and they're not.
"We can all change. No-one leave my clinic without some ideas for change, whether its their job, food, doing yoga, or whatever. It works."
Q: A lot of grandparents look after their grandchildren these days. How can they help them eat well?
"Interestingly I have a lot of friends with children, and I'm the major babysitter. I think the trick is to make healthy food exciting for kids, rather than bleating on and on about greens - its not interesting for them. And explain things, say WHY mayonnaise is better than ketchup. Wrap healthy stuff up in what they really like. That way they'll stick with it because they want to. And go for organic fizzy drinks."
Q: Any future plans, like another book?
"I've decided that this year is my nurturing year. I'm going to get a puppy, and take time out from travelling. But I did discover last year that I LOVE cruises! I thought I'd hate them - being a staunch backpacker. But I went on a cruise to run some nutrition workshops. Day one seemed like hell, you know, a posh Butlins, but then ... well, I'm addicted to them. I want to go to New York by ship.
"It's funny, there was this comedian on the cruise ship, and there were lots of, erm, 'large' people in the front row. And he kept saying to them 'are you all right? I mean, are you really, REALLY sure you're alright? You haven't eaten for 45 minutes.' Great."
Alternative Ageing by Suzi Grant is available form all good bookshop, priced £11.99. See also the weblink below.