Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To Paperback – September 30, 2019

This book is a very comprehensive view of not only the current research in anti-aging, but a sincere consideration of the implications of prolonging average lifespan and health span. Dr. Sinclair makes the science understandable while also bringing personal passion to the issue of aging and long-term health - it really means something for him.The book discusses WHY we age at a biological level, what that means for the pathways in which to stop that biological process, and the current research of what health practices, lifestyles, and most importantly which molecules can prevent or slow the process. After all, our bodies do not simply say "Well, looks like we are 60, time to start shutting down." There must be something happening at a cellular and biological level in our bodies that causes us to be "60" and not "20", so what is it? And given that there must be a process, why should it be impossible to intervene in it?On this premise, Dr. Sinclair discusses how a loss of information and DNA degradation contributes to a loss of cellular function that precipitates aging. He then goes on to explain not just THAT diet and exercise are helpful in increasing health span, but WHY - a much more scientific approach than just saying "eat your grems, they're good for you." Beyond that, and most interestingly, he relates the latest research on naturally-occurring molecules that can reactivate cellular function, and the promise such molecules may have - which to-date have demonstrated little to no negative side-effects and have moved into human trials.Because Sinclair himself is leading much of the research in his Harvard lab, this is not just another health book from another health guru attempting to peddle "advice" for money. It is a true attempt to communicate actual findings from esteemed research laboratories, and an attempt to do so so that the public can understand the latest science themselves instead of waiting for a patented pill to be offered via a doctor's office years from now with only half-baked information.I also want to note that, per his numerous statements in public forums, interviews and the book itself, Dr. Sinclair does not promote or profit from the sale of any commercial product - such as NMN, Resveratrol or NR. Though his name is invoked on many websites to give clout to commercial products, he makes a point to never endorse or sign a deal with any such commercial producer, precisely so that his integrity and the validity of the research cannot be called into question. Any stake that he has in any related company is disclosed and the nature of the involvement discussed, but again, he purposely does not profit from or endorse any commercial product.Personally, I recommend coupling or preceding the book with podcasts on which he has been a guest so that you can get a light, layman's background in the science before delving into the depth of the text itself. While the text is reasonably easy to follow, the information is still weighty and may be benefit from hearing a more high-level version first.

Of the 34 books I have completed reading this year, this is the best.Pay close attention to the subtitle. Though as we age, it's natural for humans to focus more and more on extending their lives--this book, written by the world-leading authority on aging and what it will take to extend our lives, gives concrete actionable guidance on what you personally can do to increase your life:* It shows the already known value of fasting, in that the act of skipping meals causes the body to switch to a life-extending mode. That means you at the very least skip breakfast. Your goal is to go as long as possible every day without eating.* It shows how the commercially available supplement NMN, a precursor to NAD, can have direct and noticeable effects on one's health and lifespan.* It shows how lots of small effects, such as exposing yourself to extreme cold for brief periods of time also triggers your body's natural life-extending mechanisms. I am not attempting to reproduce a 310-page book. To fully understand, read this book or the many follow on talks given by the same author.Sinclair begins this book by describing the "information theory of aging". Until his theory, the generally accepted idea has been that aging comes when the "digital" information that is held on DNA using the 4 base pairs becomes corrupted through information loss. Sinclair posits that aging is not a result of the corruption of DNA (which the body can fix) but the corruption of the companion to DNA that controls gene expression, the epigenome--which is separate set of chemicals and proteins that GOVERN how the DNA map is used to build proteins. Sinclair shows that it's possible to correct these epigenomic errors. The mechanism for doing this is quite interesting. It has been used to cause a damaged mouse optic nerve to re-grow. Absolutely fascinating and plausible in terms of the science involved.So, I will give you what you came here to see. The author near the end gives his own personal regime for extending his life:* 1,000 MG NMN supplement every morning* 1,000 MG resveratrol every morning* Daily dose Vitamin D, Vitamin K, aspirin* Keep sugar, bread and pasta intake as low as possible.* Allow yourself to be hungry for part of every day. Delay your first meal of the day as late as possible.* Skip one meal a day or at least make it really small. (Try to go as long as possible between eating.)* Lift weights* Expose yourself briefly to extreme cold, because that also triggers your body's survival mechanisms.This was a great and interesting read that I tore through. In no cases did the author make logical fallacies. It was scientifically convincing and legitimate-seeming all through.If you read one book this year--let it be this one. It will show you how to live a longer life.