In the tradition of Atul Gawande and Sherwin Nuland, Marc Agronin writes luminously and unforgettably of life as he sees it as a doctor. His beat is a nursing home in Miami that some would dismiss as God's waiting room. Nothing in the young doctor's medical training had quite prepared him for what he was to discover there. As Agronin first learned from ninety-eight-year-old Esther and, later, from countless others, the true scales of aging aren't one-sided -- you can't list the problems without also tallying the hopes and promises. Drawing on moving personal experiences and in-depth interviews with pioneers in the field, Agronin conjures a spellbinding look at what aging means today -- how our bodies and brains age, and the very way we understand aging.

How recent breakthroughs in longevity research offer clues about human aging All of us would like to live longer, or to slow the debilitating effects of age. In How We Age, Coleen Murphy shows how recent research on longevity and aging may be bringing us closer to this goal. Murphy, a leading scholar of aging, explains that the study of model systems, particularly simple invertebrate animals, combined with breakthroughs in genomic methods, have allowed scientists to probe the molecular mechanisms of longevity and aging. Understanding the fundamental biological rules that govern aging in model systems provides clues about how we might slow human aging, which could lead in turn to new therapeutics and treatments for age-related disease. Among other vivid examples, Murphy describes research that shows how changing a single gene in the nematode worm C. elegans doubles its lifespan, extending not only the end of life but also the youthful, healthy part of life. Drawing on work in her own lab as well as other recent research, Murphy chronicles the history and current state of the field, explaining longevity’s links to reproduction and mating, sensory and cognitive function, inheritances from our ancestors, and the gut microbiome. Written with clarity and wit, How We Age provides a guide to the science: what we know about aging, how we know what we know, and what we can do with this new knowledge.

Lifespan by David Sinclair In this initial chapter, Sinclair introduces readers to the age-old human quest for longevity and the desire to find ways to delay or even reverse the aging process. He touches upon historical beliefs, myths, and early attempts to discover a "Fountain of Youth" that could grant eternal life. Sinclair sets the stage for the scientific journey that follows, emphasizing the importance of understanding the biology of aging in the quest for a longer and healthier life. As the book progresses, it delves into various aspects of aging biology, genetics, epigenetics, and cutting-edge research in the field of longevity. It also offers practical advice and insights on how individuals can make lifestyle choices that promote healthier aging. While "Lifespan" does not include a traditional introductory chapter, it immerses readers directly into the intriguing world of aging research, setting the tone for a thought-provoking exploration of the possibilities and challenges of extending healthspan and lifespan. Grab a copy and learn more!

All living beings grow from young to old. From Dr. Andrew Weil’s bestselling and authoritative guide—this companionable and easily digestible selection explains exactly what causes bodies to age. Covering inflammation and oxidization as well as the role played by genetics and free radicals, Dr. Weil reveals just how ill-advised the obsession with life extension is, and demonstrates in no uncertain terms the urgent need to focus on improving the quality of the life we do have to live by minimizing the distress caused by disease and by aging naturally and gracefully.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.