Super Agers – by Dr. Eric Topol

You may be wondering what sets this book apart from all the other “let’s look at what supercentenarians do” books.

And the answer is: this one is, as the subtitle suggests, more strongly evidence-based. We say “more strongly”, because the others are evidence-based too, but that evidence base in those cases is mostly observational studies (due to the difficulty of doing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with this kind of thing, because of the population samples required). This one addresses that by taking the conclusions from the observational studies (and interventional studies and RCTs, where possible) and then doing science to all of the constituent parts, for which there is RCT-derived evidence.

Thus, Dr. Topol takes us through the evidence for various factors, including dealing with obesity and diabetes, reducing cardiovascular disease, avoiding cancer, and deferring (ideally indefinitely) neurodegeneration, as well as controlling our immune system (both ways; defending against external threats while not falling to internal autoimmune problems), and even a chapter devoted to the critical role of promoting mental health, without which the rest of health won’t do us any good. Again, all based on the evidence of how each intervention helps us to live longer, measurably healthier lives.

The style is on the hard end of pop-science, sometimes slipping into outright academia before (it seems) the editor got let back into the room. It’s still lighter reading than actual academic papers, and for those who do like reading actual academic papers, there are 98 pages of bibliography at the back. So, taking up the entire last quarter of the book, basically.

Bottom line: if you’d like very evidence-based deep insights into what actually enables us to live the longest, healthiest lives, then this is a top-tier book for you.

Click here to check out Super Ages, and age superbly!