This book made me believe that it is entirely possible I could live 90 healthy years, if not more. Do I expect to? No. But hey, if it happened, I can’t say I’d be surprised. Or disappointed for that matter, as long as I have some of you beautiful people still with me ;).

As the title suggests, the book covers aging, but takes a novel (for the time being) perspective; mainly, that aging itself is a disease, and that it can also be treated. The author builds a well-supported argument for this, on the back of the research he and other longevity/aging researchers have conducted…though on yeast and mice, not yet on humans. Much of the research he discusses has been covered in the news, but here you get the full story straight from the horse’s mouth, not from click-baity news articles with improperly drawn or exaggerated conclusions, and not from the terrible “5 things you need to know” drivel that seems so popular now. Rant over. Anyway, it’s compelling enough to make me want to take his recommendations and make some lifestyle changes. The risks are nil, and if it gives me a longer healthspan, then hey, why not. If you’re reading this, you’re probably a friend, so pick up the book and follow his rec’s so we can live longer, healthier lives together! Why not, right!?

Fascinating content aside, I thought the book suffered from abruptly bouncing back and forth between the science of aging to the treatment of age-related diseases. From prevention to palliative care. The nitty-gritty of the science isn’t particularly light, though you don’t really have to understand the genetics and cell biology to get his points; he uses analogies quite well. And the author comes across as though he’s quite proud of himself, which was unfortunate.

Verdict: definitely recommended, especially because the reader can make pretty easy lifestyle changes which may have huge benefits and come with very little downside.