Six amazing books to read on longevity and modern ageing
This is my reading list for anyone in the longevity and modern ageing economy who wants to feel up with the latest in science, economics and healthspan changes.
You may already know that I have been working on a book called How to have an Epic Retirement, set to be released later this year. In addition to this, I have been creating consumer education programs that aim to assist companies in educating their maturing customers and communities about preparing for retirement, and the things each individual can do to make for longer and better quality lives. (Want to know more? email me).
In recent years my interest in longevity has been brewing, and in researching for the book and course, I have read everything I could on longevity and modern ageing - books, scientific papers, financial planning guides, the works! I know a few of you out there are curious about the best books to read on modern ageing and longevity, so today I wanted to share a handful of my favourite books with you for inspiration.
These are all books focussed on explaining how the body, mind, happiness and ageing will work in the future, and how we can take active steps to lengthen our lifespan and healthspan earlier. If you’re in the industry, they explain a lot about how we can adapt products and services to better suit the needs of modern consumers. If you are reading for personal interest, they offer fascinating insights you can apply to your own life and reap the benefits.
Have you got other books you love? Share them in the comments on the article here:
The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner.
I love this book! If you’re in the longevity economy and haven’t read it yet - treat yourself. It explores the lifestyle habits and practices of some of the world's longest-living people in Blue Zone regions, and provides practical advice on how readers can adopt healthier habits to improve their health and increase their lifespan. Overall, it is a fascinating and inspiring read for those interested in promoting longevity and healthy living.
Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair.
One of my absolute favourite explanations of the science of ageing, and a worthy companion to his podcast of the same name, which is far easier for ordinary people to absorb the complex content. This book explores the science of aging and offers insights into how we can potentially slow down or even reverse the aging process. It describes various lifestyle strategies that can help promote healthy aging, and discusses the potential of emerging technologies in extending lifespan and promoting healthy aging. Overall, it is a comprehensive guide to the science of aging and the potential for promoting healthy aging.
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The Longevity Diet: Discover the New Science Behind Stem Cell Activation and Regeneration to Slow Aging, Fight Disease, and Optimise Weight by Valter Longo.
This book is fascinating. It describes a diet that Longo has developed, called the "Fasting Mimicking Diet," which is designed to activate stem cells and promote regeneration in the body. The diet involves periodic fasting and consumption of a specific set of foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories. Longo also provides insights into the science behind aging and the role of diet in promoting health and longevity. He explores the connection between chronic diseases and aging, and how diet can impact the development and progression of these diseases.
"Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100" by Marta Zaraska.
This book explores the science of aging and the role of positive social connections, optimism, and kindness in promoting healthy aging. The book offers practical advice on how to cultivate these habits and shows how they can positively impact our health and lifespan. Overall, it is an informative and inspiring guide to healthy living and longevity.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia.
Dr. Peter Attia, a renowned longevity expert, argues that despite its successes, mainstream medicine has not made much progress in combatting the diseases of aging that claim most lives, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. He believes that the current approach of intervening with treatments too late in life is flawed and results in a longer but lower quality of life. Instead, Attia advocates for a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, which is based on well-established scientific principles rather than biohacking. In his book "Outlive," Attia offers practical advice and a roadmap to help readers chart a different course for their lives, one that extends lifespan while improving physical, cognitive, and emotional health with each passing decade.
The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott.
This one is riveting, explaining our likelihood of living to 100 years and what a life like this looks like for economists and the world. This book examines the social and economic implications of increasing life expectancy, offering insights into how individuals and society can adapt to the challenges and opportunities of a longer lifespan. The authors also provide practical advice for individuals seeking to navigate a longer working life and plan for a fulfilling retirement.
In modern ageing news this week
Each newsletter I try to feature articles from the media and industry publications that show what’s going on in modern ageing and retirement. Got something you’d like included in this? Tip me off at bec@epically.com.au.
Australians are ready willing and able to work - so let them! Daniel Wild, The Spectator
Financial Services Council calls for policy rethink to encourage retirees to spend their Super, Glenda Korporaal, The Australian
Have you tried "From here to longevity" by Mitra Ray. This got me started on my journey to a longer and more fulfilling life.
Ken