Author(s): Rudi Westendorp

Mind, Body & Spirit | Popular Science

The past century has witnessed a revolution. Less than a hundred years ago the average Western life expectancy was 40; now it is 80. And there is no end in sight: the first person who will reach 135 has already been born. What are the causes of these new developments? Has modern science found the key to eternal life? And what do longer life spans mean for the way we organise our societies? How can people best prepare themselves for living considerably longer? Does it help to eat less, or to take hormones, vitamins, or minerals? What can we learn from old people who remain full of vitality, despite illness and infirmity? Growing Older without Feeling Old is the definitive book on a key issue for the 21st century, written by one of the world's leading experts in geriatric medicine. Combining medical, biological, economic, and sociological insights, Rudi Westendorp answers the above questions and more in an accessible and engaging manner. He gives a prescription for the future: we should start preparing to lead longer, healthier, and more productive lives.