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Lifespan - David A. Sinclair

Lifespan

By David A. Sinclair

  • Release Date: 2019-09-10
  • Genre: Life Sciences
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 306 Ratings

Description

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Brilliant and enthralling.”​ —The Wall Street Journal

A paradigm-shifting book from an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and one of Time’s most influential people.

It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan?

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. David Sinclair, leading world authority on genetics and longevity, reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.”

This eye-opening and provocative work takes us to the frontlines of research that is pushing the boundaries on our perceived scientific limitations, revealing incredible breakthroughs—many from Dr. David Sinclair’s own lab at Harvard—that demonstrate how we can slow down, or even reverse, aging. The key is activating newly discovered vitality genes, the descendants of an ancient genetic survival circuit that is both the cause of aging and the key to reversing it. Recent experiments in genetic reprogramming suggest that in the near future we may not just be able to feel younger, but actually become younger.

Through a page-turning narrative, Dr. Sinclair invites you into the process of scientific discovery and reveals the emerging technologies and simple lifestyle changes—such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat—that have been shown to help us live younger and healthier for longer. At once a roadmap for taking charge of our own health destiny and a bold new vision for the future of humankind, Lifespan will forever change the way we think about why we age and what we can do about it.

Reviews

  • Very helpful information in the first 2/3 of the book

    4
    By fifteenpigeons
    Understanding the biology behind aging was very informational, but not necessary, to the common practices that can allow us to extend our lifespan and health-span. To me, the best chapters were in part two of the book where Dr. Sinclair discusses what we can do to live a longer and better life. The last two chapters, the third part of the book, seemed like more speculation than true facts. As a whole, I would highly recommend this book to people with above-average reading comprehension.
  • Fascinating material

    4
    By jayro619
    David Sinclair has a lot to offer in this book. The subject matter is urgent, and worth reading if you have an interest in optimizing your health for longevity. There are a lot of moments in the book, however, that tend to drift away from the health aspect of the book. In one chapter, he speaks entirely of the politics of longer lives, which I’d argue has little to do with why I and others would have picked up the book in the first place. The sentiment is worth reading, just not why I chose to read the book. Sinclair tries to offer some of the context necessary to understand the science of longevity, but without a background in biology, it tends to get really hard to understand. It isn’t his fault, just a fact of the subject matter. Overall, really good stuff. Definitely a must read for health nerds.
  • I listened to the audio version many times.

    5
    By Vim T
    I estimate that, so far, I have listened to the audio version of this book (50 +/- 15) times.
  • Good for thought

    5
    By me5245
    Nice to think there are many positives in the future.
  • An absolute pageturner

    5
    By cloudmarooned
    I rarely find nonfiction to be a page-turner, but this David Sinclair book happens to be a shining exception. The book flows from the past, present, and future of defying aging without missing a beat. The complex topics are explained elegantly without being overly simplistic. Not to mention the joy of peering over the shoulders of a world-renowned expert. An excellent read is a bonus considering the truthful information on living a healthier, longer life. I plan to implement some of the suggestions in this book myself.
  • Paradigm Changer!

    5
    By Marlon C
    This book it's a must read. Inspiring, Beautiful, eloquent!. Science explain dummies proof. The information it's so thorough, helpful and enriching.
  • So sad.

    1
    By AJantayo
    What otherwise was an interesting and optimistic tome until Chapter eight morphed into something else...
  • Outstanding coverage of what matters

    5
    By Mrkvans
    This book takes a fresh look at aging and seeks to label it as a health condition. The primary thesis is: if we solve the general problem of aging - which the author says is easier to solve than cancer - much of the other specific ailments and diseases that plague society in old age will decline or go away entirely. Evidence is presented of successful and repeated research that is lengthening the life of mice up to 40% with simple supplements available today. Some brave people are taking these supplements and seeing unbelievable improvements in health. This book is awesome. I’ll be reading it again. And I’ll be sharing it with family and friends. It will be added to the list of books I reference as I seek a healthier and longer lifespan for myself and loved ones.
  • Better to watch the joe organ podcast and skip this book.

    1
    By MoralSuperiorityComplex
    Useless information on world practical tips. At least tell us more than, “eat less”, “take metformin”.

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