Gerald Weiner has more than enough energy, passion, and intellectual curiosity to keep himself stimulated and productive if he fulfills his ambition -- one of many -- to live well past one hundred years. He works toward his good health and longevity with the same commitment and devotion that has enabled him to found and build four prosperous companies.  Mr. Weiner has strong opinions about what it takes to live a full, productive, and meaningful life. "To be happy and successful; to be an achiever in anything a person does, they have to take care of their mind, body, and spirit," he says. Mr. Weiner practices what he preaches.  At age 67, Mr. Weiner rises each morning between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM and follows a comprehensive exercise regimen for at least two hours before beginning his workday. In the evenings, he bicycles or rides his horses. He adheres to a strict Vegan diet, toward which he evolved over the years to help treat his genetic risk for high cholesterol.

A lifelong passion for health maintenance
Preventive medicine has been a vital part of Mr. Weiner's health and longevity agenda for more than 25 years. He incorporated annual physicals out of town at the Pritikin Longevity Center and the Mayo Clinic's executive program into his business travel plans.  A compelling newspaper article and a busy schedule persuaded Mr. Weiner to contact a local resource, The Center for Preventive Medicine. Mr. Weiner spent a full day at the Center, undergoing blood work, physical checks "from my nose to my toes," and sophisticated scans of his internal organs. "It's as thorough a checkup as I've ever had," he says. "There was no sitting and waiting. I went from one test to the other test, met with the doctor, then moved on to the next test." Mr. Weiner appreciated spending unhurried time with clinicians and doctors passionate about quality medicine and quality care. "I felt they did a first-class job," he says. "Very informed, very professional. They did everything in the world to put me at ease. I was so impressed that I sent one of my good friends to go through the system, and he was so impressed that he brought in his 82 year-old mom and dad."

Investing in well-being
Mr. Weiner is a vocal proponent of proactive health care -- proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive maintenance to diagnose and control potential medical conditions before they become acute or life-threatening. He believes that investing capital in well-being is easily justified. "You invest in your children, in education, in your home or business," he says. "Your well-being is the most important investment you can ever make, because if you're not in good shape physically, mentally, and spiritually, you're unable to fulfill -- and enjoy -- life's obligations and responsibilities."

Mr. Weiner believes that good health requires effort and commitment -- it doesn't just happen. "Quality of life is in direct proportion to the commitment you make to develop a quality life. You don't just take a pill and get healthy," he says, "You've got to work at it. It's a continual work in progress."

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