What To Read

Welcome to the first edition of our series "There's a Book for That," in which we recommend books that will help navigate some of the most complex topics that shape our lives today. In this first edition, we dive into a topic that affects us all: aging.

The old saying that "life is short" still rings true, but how will we seize the (extra) days when our life span gets a little bit longer? Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years of age in 2022 to 78.1 years of age in 2050. With this profound shift in increased life expectancy comes challenges and opportunities for health, economics, technology as well as our social relationships. These eye-opening reads provide insight on how we can make the most of all that extra time.

Our top pick:

The Longevity Imperative: How to Build a Healthier and More Productive Society to Support Our Longer Lives by Andrew J. Scott

Currently shortlisted for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year

In this manifesto about the consequences of longer life expectancy, the economist behind the bestselling The 100-Year Life focuses on what he calls "the longevity imperative." The London Business School professor believes that we need to flip our negative thinking about the socioeconomic aspects of an aging society toward a proactive and positive approach to living longer. That means thinking differently about how to design the latter part of your life starting in your 40s or 50s, not just in your 80s. Planning in advance can produce better outcomes that reduce bad health, loneliness and even poverty during old age.

It’s a thought-provoking read not just for policymakers and business leaders, but for anyone looking to embrace the future with optimism because it encourages readers to take charge of their lives, fostering a mindset that values health and productivity at every stage with the goal of a longer, healthier life expectancy (rather than simply increasing one’s life expectancy numerically).

For Further Reading

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

This celebrated physician’s longevity manual has been on The New York Times Best Sellers list for more than a year. Filled with practical insights for living a longer, more meaningful life, it’s a science-backed guide that reveals the latest ideas, medical discoveries and tools for growing old gracefully.

Endorsed by five different leaders in McKinsey's annual list of book recommendations from CEOs, founders, editors in chief, and other global leaders - it also got a special mention from ageless Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman, who declared: "Dr. Peter Attia is my doctor and also my friend. He is a specialist in longevity and someone I trust with my life. What separates him from others is his pursuit of quality of life from all angles--physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual health. This incredible book is a call to action and a reminder to always participate, and never be passive. It will arm you with the tools you need to live a long, meaningful, and fulfilling life."

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks

At the height of his career at the age of 50, The Atlantic's happiness columnist set out to discover how to make the next phase of his life a rewarding one. The result is this practical roadmap for finding happiness and purpose as you age by embracing change, redefining success, and having a growth mindset.

"The author urges those facing a midlife career quandary to move forward and discover new strengths and skills and to zero in on the things that bring lasting happiness," summarized Kirkus. "—instead of merely “adding brushstrokes to an already full canvas.” Using his goal-oriented structure and sage guidance, like-minded readers may be able to break the “striver’s curse” and avoid unnecessary disillusionment. As he shows, there is real meaning and happiness to be found in the second half of adulthood.

Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality by Venki Ramakrishnan

This book by a Nobel Prize winning scientist presents an accessible overview of the cutting-edge research around longevity, helping to make sense of which breakthroughs may have a practical impact on extending our lives. His explanation of the genetic and cellular dynamics that impact aging offers a more credible perspective on the much-hyped topic of anti-aging technology.

The takeaway: 

Despite a cultural obsession with anti-aging creams, laser and injection treatments, designer diets, and even AI-enabled drug research that promises to increase longevity, there is still one fundamental and incontrovertible fact of life: we all get old eventually. Given that many of us are likely to be granted a longer window of time to live than our forebears, why not make the most of it? These must-read longevity books contain some of the most sensible and valuable insights on aging from the world’s top experts.