Fred Bartlit is on a mission to re-define aging. A distinguished U.S. Army commander and high profile trial lawyer - he represented two American presidents - Fred is now 87 and a passionate advocate for strength training as we grow old. The author of Choosing the Strong Path: Reversing the Downward Spiral of Aging, is, by his own admission, obsessed with pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Fred’s mantra is that if we “get strong” everything else will fall into place.  In this LLAMA podcast interview he explains his philosophy that strength drives everything - in life and business - and why men, especially “big shots” from the world of business, are less inclined than women to follow his advice.

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In this interview we cover:     

• Fred’s aspirations to remain strong and active into his 90s. 
• How medical science, he believes, fails to focus on optimum health over 75. 
• Life expectancy versus health expectancy.
• Fred was selected by two U.S. Presidents of different parties to represent them in high profile cases. 
• He represented President George W. Bush in the 2001 U.S. Presidential election 'hanging chad' trial.
• Fred was selected to be the president’s chief counsel for Barack Obama’s National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill.
• How Fred’s future wife warned him that his exercise regime, at 50, would leave him a corpse at 60. 
• How lifting heavy weights transformed Fred’s body. 
• Why he was inspired to pursue research into sarcopenia, chronic diseases, fatigue, falls, and early death.
• Why he came to the conclusion that there is direct correlation between strength and happiness. 
• How Fred escaped being a “fat old fool” at the country club.
• Fred’s diet of brightly coloured vegetables and fruit. 
• What does "a pot belly can not lead men” mean? 
• Getting up at 3.30 AM and working out every day. 
• Still working as an active trial lawyer at 87 
• Why men won’t acknowledge their age-related frailties. 
• How you can avoid the downward spiral of aging.   

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.