Body & Mind: Not Just for Kids

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Renfrew's treatment protocol for women 30 and older centers on therapy that deals with food-related issues and problems related to aging. Patients take part in art and movement therapy, attend classes in grocery shopping and develop a sustainable, healthy exercise routine. Renfrew offers outpatient and inpatient programs, most covered by insurance. After her treatment there, Smith continued with psychotherapy and uses her yoga practice to stay focused on a positive mind-body connection. She has maintained a healthy body weight of about 117 lbs. "I try to eat really well, plan for meals so I know what to expect," she says. "I don't want to say I'm recovered. I think I'll always be in the recovery pro-cess in one way or another."

Doctors say mature women tend to be more motivated to get well and have better outcomes than their younger counterparts. "Young girls are here because their parents made them come," says Camella. "About half of the older women come in because they realize they need help. The other half are here because their husband or kids are pushing them to come in for treatment. Once they realize they need to recover, if you give them a plan, they will work it."