Sebastian Gebski's Reviews > Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity

It's a book with some serious flaws. It doesn't matter, you should read it anyway.

OK, what "flaws" do I mean? The biggest issue is shaping the actual message. It's a book that's supposed to help you ("an average Joe/Jane") extend your lifespan/healthspan - so as you're a random person, it should not assume any particular familiarity with medicine, nutrition, etc. However, it has to convince you somehow, and of course, it can't w/o a bit of science - chemistry, biology, but not only. So the book is not fully comprehensible by design: you read it, you make smart facial expressions ("oh, it sounds so convincing"), but in the end, what really matters is not the scientific proofs and clinical trial data, but how frequently certain statements are re-iterated ("American book for Americans" :>) and how passionate (/certain) the author is.

I may be a bit unfair here (the author DOES his best to make the book approachable & comprehensible), but I still think that it's main value is purely motivational :)

But wait, I claimed it's a book you should read anyway. Why so? Everyone needs a good shake-down & I adore this book's messaging: prevent instead of treating. Think ahead. Be prepared. Be realistic. Measure what matters (e.g., glucose levels). Don't fall into "latest reports from American scientists", but always validate the sensational headlines. I love how rational Attia sounds, e.g., in his chapter about fasting - credibility level 500%.

What didn't I like? I think the last chapter (about mental health) has its issues. Not only it's short & stacked at the end like something scribbled in the corridor, a quarter before the publisher's deadline. It's also far less "inspired" - I'd say. There are many better books on that particular topic. Much better ones.

AAaaaaaanyway. "Outlive" is a must live. For everyone beyond 40. Maybe even 35. Or rather 30. Just read it, ffs.