David A. Sinclair

Matthew D. LaPlante

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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.

Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To

Lifespan

Simon Sylvest

matej yangwao

** spoiler alert **
           Aging is most fatal disease we are facing as humanity. Because we want to preserve some knowledge of human beings till machines will pick it up?

Even today we can slow down aging and probably reverse it.

One upcoming disadvantage of cured aging is overcrowding planet and finite resources for current consumption.

Probably 
once we cure aging, 
in parallel we would need to find way, 
to live highly efficient way on planet.

Interesting problems ahead.

≥Aging is a disease, and all diseases are practically treatable.

≥The key to this claim on immortality is the activation of newly discovered genes known as vitality genes. These genes result from a much older genetic survival framework that causes aging; it is also the key to reversing it.

≥There is, however, a consensus regardless of the opinions; the belief that a loss of information is responsible for aging.

≥Aging might be a result of normal body activities that are unknown to us, weakening our cells.

>In contrast, new scientific evidence suggests otherwise, stating that the loss of analog information in the “epigenome” is the leading cause of aging. This information drain is hardwired into our DNA as a form of survival instinct.

≥Sirtuins—These are a group of proteins present in the cell responsible for repairs and cell maintenance. They are very instrumental in keeping the body system sound and, as such, should ensure slower aging. These proteins can be corrupted, distracted, or overworked, resulting in the opposite.

≥ NAD—Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an enzyme that, when present, will ensure the cells are rejuvenated. But the presence of this enzyme sadly reduces as the body ages.

≥ TOR—This protein regulates cell metabolism and ensures the damaged DNA is repaired. It also acts like Sirtuins, but its actions aren't fully understood.
≥ AMPK—This enzyme works hand-in-hand with the TORs in regulating cell metabolism as well.

≥There is little talk about the disadvantages of the consumption of animal protein. Study after study has demonstrated that heavily animal-based diets are associated with high cardiovascular mortality and cancer risk.


≥We can alter the aging process by adapting a habit of exercise and dieting.

≥The presence of biological stress is the leading cause for the disruption of specific gene elements that lead to aging.

≥Some of these activities include simple things such as dieting, scheduled fasting, exercise, and intentional exposure to colder temperatures.


≥The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.


≥ Resveratrol is a natural molecule found in red wine, grapes, and berries—albeit in low quantities. Studies have shown a positive impact on heart health and 20% life extensions in mice.
≥ NAD boosters are the emerging compounds of interest. NR and NMN variants show promising signs, while research has found that they also may prolong fertility. No human trials have been conducted yet.

≥Thanks to the many advancements in technology, the quality of human life has been improved.

≥Life spans will continue to increase but at a slower pace. After seeing significant increases in the first half of the 20th century, life expectancy growth has slowed to about ten additional weeks each year, according to Elizabeth Arias with the NCHS Division of Vital Statistics.

≥A population that has a higher life expectancy will have to find a way out of overpopulation.

≥The primary and most dangerous effect of a longer human lifespan is a direct and immediate increase in the resident population. This means more people will occupy limited space for much longer than is convenient, leading to a shortage in resources needed to sustain the populace.

≥A longer lifespan is a blessing but also a curse; it can lead to a reduction in available resources

≥Banking on the ingenuity of humanity, Sinclair hopes that when we are faced with the problem of population crisis and waste pollution, we will create present and lasting solutions to tackle them and maybe even find a way to turn them into a channel for more advancements.

≥I believe that aging is a disease. I believe it is treatable. I believe we can treat it within our lifetimes. And in doing so, I believe everything we know about human health will be fundamentally changed.

≥When we encounter stress, we immediately set off a chain reaction in our cells that overloads vital elements and forces them to shut down.

≥Indeed, we know more about the health of our cars and so little about our health. That's farcical. And it's about to change.

≥Here are some other ways to reduce stress:
• Take walks.
• Meditate.
• Take supplements.
• Surround yourself with family and friends.
• Sleep more.

Bilge Ince

I read the whole book, and I am quite satisfied with the details and explanations. The entire book is full of propaganda about why we should invest in the studies on ageing as a disease and the historical development of the ageing studies with gene and laboratory test details. I understand why these endless speeches of investing in such studies, but I wouldn’t say I liked that part. However, I like the biological details and the historical process of the studies.
But If you’re looking for a short answer, either skip to the conclusion or cancel reading this book and listen to the podcasts Sinclair had talked about his daily routines.

Tuago

Very insightful and thought-provoking. Some ideas are not yet proven by science, but time will tell. There are practical and easy-to-follow recommendations if you want to increase your chances of a long lifespan.

Simao Freitas

A look it a brighter future. Great reading, inspirational.

Catherine Matheson

Super interesting. I'll be watching out for where the idea of "ageing is a disease" heads in the future. This was good in an audiobook format

Udit Desai

Longevity is real and intermittent fasting is the best!

Lukas Gräf

Brilliant science book (the first half) that goes into depth on the current state of research in the field of ageing. The second half is a bit more philosophical but still interesting to read. Can't wait for new material!

Dani C

Sinclair posits an idea that many find impossible: there are people alive today who are capable of living well past 100 years old. 
You might be one of them. 
With specific, detailed science for the nerds and general information for the non-sciency types, Sinclair breaks down what it would take to biologically extend how long we're healthy and how long we live. Pinpointing processes in our bodies that result in aging, cell damage, and illness, Sinclair provides studies - past and present - that are tackling these concerns in a convincing display that aging gracefully is possible. 
What I appreciated most, though, was that he doesn't just stick to optimism. There's an entire chapter dedicated to the naysaying arguments for why we "can't" or "shouldn't" live healthier and longer. Oftentimes, science authors are so bent on convincing you that they're right that they ignore or grossly gloss over arguments against their theories. Sinclair looks them in the eye and addresses them plainly.

Lifespan Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To

Reviews

Highlights