I recently purchased your book and am excited about getting started on the program. But my question is regarding my mother. She will be 87 years old in May. She lives alone and is managing fairly well, but I believe many of the problems she does have are related to strength deficiencies. I truly feel that the strength training would be of great benefit to her. But feel we need to be very cautious about starting this in a woman her age without adequate supervision. If you have any suggestions, I would be most appreciative.

You're right to be cautious - and also right to be optimistic that strength training could help your mother. The first thing to do is to discuss the program with her doctor, to make sure it's okay for her. If so, she can start doing the exercises without weights, moving slowly and maintaining proper form. If that goes well, she can try doing the exercises with one-pound weights. Then if that's fine, she can add weight just one pound at a time. Of course, she'll need to back off if she experiences any sharp pain. As she increases the weights, she'll get stronger and her range of motion and flexibility will improve. By moving up very slowly and cautiously, she'll avoid straining her body. This is the approach used by physical therapists. If your mother needs help starting, or if she wants to be sure she's using correct form, consider hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions.