When is it Too Late to Go Vegan?

Four years ago, my mother became vegan. She was 58. My father is 64, and he is currently transitioning to a plant-based diet. My parents offer just two examples that help demonstrate that it’s Never Too Late to Go Vegan — which also happens to the title of a new and incredibly informative book by Carol J. Adams, Patti Breitman, and Virginia Messina.

Relying on the latest science about the benefits of plant-based eating, these esteemed authors deftly make the case that choosing vegan foods later in life can improve health, increase energy, stave off or reverse illness, and provide a profound sense of purpose when making life count really matters. This book also features 75 recipes ranging from quinoa salads to cinnamon rolls along with tips on dining out and navigating potentially challenging social situations. Have questions about taking supplements or how to handle your cravings for cheese? That’s in the book, too. My favorite part though is the inspiring personal testimonies from vegans over 50 woven throughout the pages.

In a recent AARP article, former President (and former hamburger-lover) Bill Clinton shared his story about how adopting a vegan diet later in life changed him: “I’ve stopped eating meat, cheese, milk, even fish. No dairy at all…I’ve lost more than 20 pounds so far…and I have so much more energy now! I feel great.”

Seventy-seven year-old professional body builder Jim Morrison can also attest to the health benefits as well: “Since becoming vegan, all my health problems have completely disappeared. My yearly checkups are perfect.”

Choosing vegan foods also revived Australians Alan Murray and Janette Murray-Wakelin, who in their 60’s broke a world record by running one marathon a day for 366 days straight. Their physical feat surely accomplished what they intended, “to inspire and motivate conscious lifestyle choices, to promote kindness and compassion for all living beings and to raise environmental awareness for a sustainable future.”

In the spirit of that sentiment, give a gift to a friend or parent that keeps on giving — Never Too Late to Go Vegan. Or keep it for yourself, because becoming vegan at any age is a gift itself.