Books like this don't come along often. That is, written by someone both brilliant and far-seeing enough to discern patterns and distill implications across multiple research disciplines and paradigms of thought and practice. Much of this is nothing I've heard before. This book contains knowledge that could transform the world as we know it and heal our collective ills (both economic and existential, no small feat).
Dr. Zhavoronkov has studied myriad issues related to aging across disciplines. One impetus for writing the book was his realization that we ALREADY possess the knowledge needed to transform the lives of the majority of people in the throes of "aging". He writes: "My awakening to the untapped potential for older adults to remain productive into advanced age is one of the insights that led me to write this book." But this is just the tip of the iceberg, because, as he so vividly explains, the issues involved resonate through all domains and spheres of life and affect the quality of life of virtually EVERYONE on the planet. Perhaps no issue is of higher priority or greater urgency.
He details advances in biomedical research that relate to both disease processes and aging itself, especially those of the last two decades, which exceed all discoveries hitherto made in the entire history of medicine. Advances are occurring at breakneck speed- in the next few years, science will most assuredly possess the technology to halt and even REVERSE the aging process. But since we're already in possession of much of the knowledge needed, it's a matter of awareness and application, NOW- Zhavoronkov supplies the remedy with this book.
He dispels many myths- for example, contrary to popular belief, scientists now know that the brain continues to produce neurons well beyond age 60. He details research which demonstrates conclusively that cognitive decline with age is largely myth, most brain functions continue to develop and are still at about the same levels at age 70 as they were at age 25. Indeed, two abilities critical to productivity, verbal ability and inductive reasoning, are about the same at nearly 90 years old as they are at 25. Many skills actually IMPROVE with age, such as interpersonal effectiveness.
Perhaps the most egregious myth countered by Zhavoronkov is that aging and age related deterioration and death are inevitable, natural. Aging, Alzheimer's, cell death are no more "natural" than Down's Syndrome, cancer or dying of the flu. We pay a very steep price for our mistaken views on aging- indeed, the author explains how the costs of aging, as it is currently viewed, threaten every aspect of life today- social, economic, political. Note that it is the outmoded perspective on aging that threatens us, not the reality itself. Our views of aging and the aged lag woefully behind advances in scientific knowledge and research, the solutions lie utilizing these advances in regenerative research (among other things) and adapting economic policies and business practices accordingly.
Regenerative medicine is in a far more advanced state than most people realize. Zhavoronkov details these advances, in everything from cellular microbiology, pharmacology and nanotechnology to 3D "printing" of replacement organs (it's not sci-fi- the "future" is here, now). The depth and breadth of his analysis is remarkable, and he explains interrelationships between complex and seemingly disparate fields in a way that is clear, compelling, EXCITING- and staggering in their implications.
Dr. Zhavoronkov discusses everything from data mining and the power of social networking to economics and healthcare models based on archaic views of human disease and aging mechanisms. People don't age the same way today as they did in the past. How are baby boomers different from preceding generations? The answers will surprise you. China, according to Dr. Z, is light years ahead of us in recognizing some of the issues and opportunities detailed in this book, and has already made strides in transforming its culture and quality of life accordingly. We've seen their phenomenal, meteoric growth in mere decades- innovative views on aging and restorative medicine are a cornerstone of that growth.
Aside from its astounding contents, the book is extremely well-written, lively but concise, alive with the author's personhood, often surprising, intriguing, sometimes personal. Zhavoronkov is a talented writer- his prose flows, is a pleasure to read. Perhaps best of all, he takes very complex issues and explains them clearly and simply, rendering them down to their bare bones and marrow. PLUS, the book is proactive, solution-oriented, POSITIVE, I found it encouraging and inspiring. Zhavoronkov provides examples of simple things regular folks can do to address the issues raised in their everyday lives, invaluable.
It's tough in a brief review to do justice to a book of such depth and breadth. Zhavoronkov's scholarship is impressive, his thought and reasoning rigorous, highly original, provacative (and gutsy). Though I consider myself better informed than the average person on many of the issues involved, I experienced many epiphanies while reading. In particular, I think policy makers and anyone who sees aging and age-related decline as inevitable should read this book. As the author says: "We are no more programmed to die than we are programmed to fly or breathe under water." This applies just as aptly to AGING as it is now regarded. Be prepared to be incredibly inspired and encouraged- you'll never see aging, illness, healthcare or dying in the same way again. While profound enough in itself, the implications go FAR beyond that, and may well ignite controversy and consternation in both the scientific community and various arenas of political discourse: "Geez, why didn't WE think of that?"
What we do with the information provided us by Dr. Zhavoronkov could determine both our personal and collective futures and ultimately affect every aspect of your life. Why? Because, as Dr. Z documents so vividly, a HUGE chunk of the world's economic resources are devoted to continuing to do medicine and healthcare in ways that put bandaids on gushing wounds, necessitating and multiplying the need for ever more costly bandaids, in an exponential fashion, rather than using the knowledge and technologies at our immediate disposal to promote health and prevent health problems in the first place AND extend life, at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're old or young, poor or rich, technically-savvy or not, I highly recommend The Ageless Generation- a paradigm shifter.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Similar items that ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from other countries
- Maria YakushinaReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2013
It's time for a plan 'B'
-
- RichardReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2013
We need to accelerate to jump over the cliff
