Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To

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.