Hoe worden heren van stand gezond oud?

In 1670, the Professor of Medicine V.F. Plemp from the Belgian University of Leuven published a book explaining in an entertaining fashion how elderly gentlemen in positions of authority could live for a long time in good health but still have enjoyable lives. In writing this book the author manifested himself as a 17th century forerunner of the modern fitness and wellness movement. Plemp was a humanist who believed in the renaissance of Antiquity, and his medical revelations originate largely from ancient Roman sources. He also skilfully intertwined his health advice with descriptions of Greek and Roman customs and mores.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.