A startling chronicle by a brilliant young scientist takes us onto the frontiers of the science of aging, and reveals how close we are to an astonishing extension of our life spans and a vastly improved quality of life in our later years.
Aging--not cancer, not heart disease--is the true underlying cause of most human death and suffering. We accept as inevitable that as we advance in years our bodies and minds begin to deteriorate and that we are ever more likely to be felled by dementia or disease. But we never really ask--is aging necessary? Biologists, on the other hand, have been investigating that question for years. After all, there are tortoises and salamanders whose risk of dying is the same no matter how old they are. With the help of science, could humans find a way to become old without getting frail, a phenomenon known as "biological immortality"?
In Ageless, Andrew Steele, a computational biologist and science writer, takes us on a journey through the laboratories where scientists are studying every bodily system that declines with age--DNA, mitochondria, stem cells, our immune systems--and developing therapies to reverse the trend. With bell-clear writing and intellectual passion, Steele shines a spotlight on a little-known revolution already underway.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“During medical school we were taught that aging is a natural process and that people can simply die of old age. The thinking was that age wasn’t just a turning of the clock but an accumulation of mutations, cancer, arthritis, heart disease and dementia. Have you ever wondered, however, if it was possible to address those diseases not just individually, but collectively, by addressing the underlying process of aging itself. Sound far fetched? Well, It’s this audacious way of thinking that propelled Andrew Steele to write Ageless. In this new book, Steele highlights therapies being developed to stymie aging, from rebooting the immune system to repairing DNA to removing senescent cells. This is a fascinating look at how scientists are working to help doctors treat not just one disease at a time, but the aging process itself, helping us all to lead longer, healthier lives.”
–Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN
“Writing with the vim of a Bill Bryson and the technical knowledge of a scientist, Steele gives us a chance to grasp what’s at stake in this dazzling, daunting age where big data meets human biology”
–The Independent
“Whether or not readers are persuaded that ageless humans could ever be more than a theoretical possibility—and it is a stretch—this book will convince them that discounting the theoretical possibility altogether is based on nothing but prejudice. . . [Scientists] have many tools at their disposal, [and Steele] evaluates them expertly and with verve.”
–The Economist
“Entertaining and thoughtful. . . if, as Mr. Steele contends, 'tortoises get old without getting elderly,' might we not master 'biological immortality' and become ageless too? . . . we may all need to start planning for a fundamentally different future.”
–The Wall Street Journal
"I heartily recommend this one. It’s modest in scope, and generous in detail. . . honest and optimistic."
–The Telegraph (U.K.)
"As Steele admits, ‘treating ageing sounds like science fiction’. . . But, after you’ve read Ageless, and heard about the latest developments in ageing biology, it begins to sound more like science fact."
–The Daily Mail (U.K.)
“Ageless is a rich and exciting exploration of that surprisingly intriguing topic we’d rather not talk about: old age.”
–The Irish Times
“An optimistic exploration of aging. . . A diligent scientist, Steele does not ignore flops and fads. . . Good science in service of a convincing case that vast life extension is inevitable.”
–Kirkus
“Steele succeeds in bringing some of the ethical and policy issues surrounding the field of biogerontology [into] this thorough, yet accessible narrative. . . A solid read for those interested in biological sciences research, and anyone looking to learn more about aging in general.”
–Library Journal
“Rejuvenation biotechnology is coming, but not rapidly enough. Ageless is an outstanding, totally accessible exposition of why aging can and should be understood as a medical problem, and of how the world’s leading medical researchers are solving it. An absolute tour de force, it will surely save many lives by inspiring new recruits to join this crusade.”
--Aubrey de Grey, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation
“In his book Ageless, Andrew Steele describes how the field of aging biology moved from hope to promise. This is a masterful road map for interested lay people, scientists at large and also geroscientists like myself-- I was surprised how much I learned.”
–Nir Barzilai, M.D., founding director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and author of Age Later: Health Span, Life Span and the New Science of Longevity
“An essential book for anyone interested in the fast-developing science of longevity.”
–Jim Mellon, Chairman of Juvenescence
“Ageless is a fascinating, stimulating and pleasingly practical guide to the science of aging and how we might be able to bend the arrow of biological time to improve our health.”
–Kat Arney, author of Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life
“Few issues can be more important for our future than ensuring we age as well as possible. Ageless explains the extraordinary achievements and promise of current scientific research around longevity. Read it and prepare to think differently about your future.”
–Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics, London Business School and co-author of The 100 Year Life
“An immensely important book. Steele surveys the biology of human ageing, as well as the cutting-edge research on how to prevent it. The first person to achieve immortality may already have been born. Is it you?!”
–Prof. Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins
“Consulting most of the experts in this surprisingly tiny field, Andrew Steele, a young 'big-data' guru himself, has crafted a rigorous yet enjoyably readable, spell-binding tale -- which never gets old (and impacts nearly all morbidity and mortality). After centuries of false starts, this project seems to finally have traction toward powerful medicines.”
--George Church, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
About the Author
After obtaining a PhD in physics from the University of Oxford, ANDREW STEELE decided that ageing was the most important scientific challenge of our time, and switched fields to computational biology. He worked at the Francis Crick Institute, using machine learning to decode our DNA and predict heart attacks using patients' medical records. He is now a ful-time science writer and presenter based in London. He has appeared on Discovery and the BBC.
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Product details
Publisher : Doubleday (March 23, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 352 pages
Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars 162 ratings
Andrew Steele
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Biography
Dr Andrew Steele is a scientist, writer and campaigner based in London. After a PhD in physics from the University of Oxford, Andrew decided that ageing was the single most important scientific challenge of our time, and switched fields to computational biology. He worked at the Francis Crick Institute, using machine learning to decode our DNA and predict heart attacks using patients’ NHS medical records. He is now a full-time science writer and presenter.
Andrew has appeared on Discovery and the BBC, produces his own videos on YouTube and gives live talks ranging from lectures to science stand-up at the Hammersmith Apollo. He has also campaigned about science funding as Chair of Science is Vital and creator of Scienceogram.
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From other countries
Sean Orford
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021
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One of those books that answers questions that you did not even know you needed to ask. A great read.
6 people found this helpful
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Ivor Faulkner
5.0 out of 5 stars Young at Heart but Old
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2021
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Andrew Steele’s Book “Ageless” has injected youth into this reader( who’s 78). Though terminology is necessarily scientific it is very worthwhile to persevere in the reading. A reference book to refer to and enforce what you’ve learned. An extraordinary read. Thanks Andrew.
4 people found this helpful
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S. Pratt
4.0 out of 5 stars Informative & enjoyable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2021
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i found this book both informative & enjoyable, There were many things that were new to me .
3 people found this helpful
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russ how
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2021
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Great book, thought provoking.
3 people found this helpful
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YusufPeerbaccus
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2021
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Great book, very scientific.
3 people found this helpful
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c d may
5.0 out of 5 stars arrived on time , perfectly packaged
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2021
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At last a sensible book on ageing .The what , and why ably described by the knowledgeable author .
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GM
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2021
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Have read a lot of science based books on aging it's an interesting read, I found some chapters not as engaging as others.
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Ian Laing
4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive cover of rather complex subject
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2021
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Despite the complexities of the subject engaging writing style which is a PLUS,and useful summary of factors affecting longevitynot least the reminder that being a woman is a plus
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Retri
2.0 out of 5 stars Repetitive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2021
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First few chapters seem very repetitive, didn’t draw me in, gave up on it
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in Spain on March 7, 2021
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Well researched well written page-turner, a delight to read and both enjoy and learn. If I had to point a single item out it would be how accurately and realistically it assesses the current stage of the field finds itself in. The author describes the different potential ways in which we could elongate and ameliorate our existence but simultaneously highlights their unproven and experimental current status. The book’s denunciation of charlatans and profiteers not only endangering people’s lives but also tarnishing the reputation of those doing research in the field of aging is another welcome feature.
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Average rating3.98 · Rating details · 58 ratings · 14 reviews
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Alicia Bayer
Jan 21, 2021Alicia Bayer rated it liked it
This is a fascinating book for fellow science geeks, but it's not a book on how the reader is necessarily going to avoid aging. Steele is a scientist who takes us on a deep dive into the 9 reasons he says we age. He maintains that aging is not required and that if we can manipulate cells enough, it may be possible for people to never age in the future. That's the thing though, this is all futuristic stuff. It's all cell manipulation and promising technology. It is quite interesting, but I'm not even sure that I agree with him that our governments should be funding this research, as I really think it would end up being one more area where the rich benefited and life got even harder for the poor.
The very end of the book tells how to live a little longer in the meantime in order to hopefully extend your life enough to live in times when they can extend it more and then more. These are absolutely basic things we all know -- stop smoking, exercise, get sleep, etc. He says not to take supplements (even vitamins). The last one is "be born a woman."
I was surprised that Steele didn't go into other things we do know help extend life, like social contact. He also talked a lot about the length of telomeres and how that translates to life expectancy, but never mentions things like the fact that they've shown that growing up in an abusive home and other sources of stress actually shorten telomeres.
Then there's the giddy fascination he has with all the scientists who sew mice together to study how that affects them (for instance, sewing a young mouse to an older one to see if the old one benefits from sharing cells and such). He actually uses the word "shockingly" when he says this research mostly stopped 30 years ago, but then he happily tells us that a married couple of scientists have started doing it again. Then he tells us about the experiments they're doing on King Charles spaniels in order to try to develop anti-aging technology to sell to dog owners (apparently this breed ages quickly). He sees this all as wonderful science. I just felt sad.
It is an interesting book for those who just love learning. I found it very interesting, but not actually helpful on a personal level.
I read a digital ARC of this book via Net Galley. (less)
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Radiantflux
Jan 12, 2021Radiantflux rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: biology, health
2nd book for 2021.
Fascinating deep-dive into the study of human ageing and many different medical techniques that are in various stages of development to slow and eventually reverse it.
Four-stars.
flag15 likes · Like · 5 comments · see review
Lou
Dec 24, 2020Lou rated it it was amazing
Why do we grow old? It’s a universally accepted part of the human experience. The fact that we are not immortal drives many of our decisions, whether conscious or not: do you want to spend your life in one country only? Single, or married? Chasing a career, and if so, in what? But biologists are investigating a different question – why do we age? And, crucially, can we stop it? In Ageless, computational biologist Andrew Steele reveals the science behind the most important biomedical question of our time: why we get old, and how we can stop it.
This is a fascinating, objective and deeply informative read all compiled into an accessible, well researched and eminently readable book. Steele tells it like it is about the ageing process and you can tell it has been written by a scholar with a profound interest and passion for the topic at hand. From what was known about ageing in prehistoric times, including its origins, through to why we age, where Steele explores DNA, genetics and disease-related reasons of why we age, and from treating ageing, through to the quest for a cure, this is a captivating and wholly engaging read.
Undoubtedly, Ageless is the definitive and most up-to-date work covering all aspects of ageing and its lengthy process and the conversational style made it a pleasure to pick up. Scientists continue to work on a cure for ageing and it would of course revolutionise our entire lives and the way we decide to live. Due to this pursuance, it's only a matter of time before there is a breakthrough. An authoritative and convincing argument that life extension is inevitable, Steele illustrates that it's a matter of when and not if. Highly recommended. (less)
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Lewis Franielczyk
Jan 14, 2021Lewis Franielczyk rated it it was amazing
My new goal in life is to become a Galapagos Totoise.
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
Live Forever or Die Trying
Feb 25, 2021Live Forever or Die Trying rated it it was amazing
Shelves: science-longevity
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book by Doubleday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Over the past two years Longevity, Bio-gerontology, or Life Extension has been a pet subject of mine and during that time I have read over 15 books on different aspects of this topic. With that background I can honestly say that Ageless by Andrew Steele is one of the top books on the subject.
What Ageless does exceptionally well over other books in the topic is being able to convey the sometimes complex biology of aging research in a simple, yet detailed, and more importantly readable and entertaining way. Many books are able to provide detail however they come across as dense and academic so they are not accessible to the standard reader. Others are entertaining but you come away from the book with only a taste of the current situation as only portions of the science are explored. This book strikes the balance between these two positions perfectly.
If you are interested in a no-bs, not overly-optimistic look at the current science of a new emerging field this should be high on your list. (less)
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David C Dawson
Jan 30, 2021David C Dawson rated it it was amazing
I listened to the audiobook of this and recommend it. Andrew Steele's enthusiasm for his topic is infectious, and he's clearly experienced and comfortable at the microphone.
His thesis is fascinating. In brief, 'curing' ageing is a far better bet than spending time trying to cure many of the common diseases of old age such as heart disease, cancer or dementia.
Steele makes a convincing and balanced case. He gives a lot of detail about how our bodies work, how we got to find out how our bodies work, and what debates continue as to the best way to live to healthy old age.
Highly recommended. (less)
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Ruby
Feb 02, 2021Ruby rated it liked it
I have mixed feelings on this one. The author seems very excited about telomeres, and senescent cells and epigenetics. Okay, fair enough, but he has a very biased viewpoint about anti-ageing research that really troubled me. It troubles me that this scientist has such tunnel vision about the potential of these treatments, particularly in the hands of rich and powerful people. While individual human lifespans are lengthening, there is this other little thing called climate change. As it is, we are facing widespread disease and destruction due to loss of habitat, the spread of disease, natural disasters and their fallout... so many challenges that we know are directly caused by having too many people on this planet. I was really frustrated by the lack of balance in the book.
There was some pretty interesting research, but maybe there’s a part of me that actually hopes that we never find a “cure” for ageing. I wonder if we should let nature take its course. Science has brought many breakthroughs for humans and we are getting better and better at surviving, but we do it through dominating the land and destroying it. (less)
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Jonathan Palfrey
Mar 22, 2021Jonathan Palfrey rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I'm uncertain how to rate this book. On the one hand, it's well written and brings us up to date (in considerable detail!) on the science of aging: what's happening in our bodies as we age, what could be done about it, and what is the current state of research on these methods (in 2020). It also points out usefully that to delay aging (extending youth) would be very valuable in terms of health, because much ill health is age-related, so extending youth much improves general health.
On the other h ...more
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Mike
Jan 20, 2021Mike rated it liked it
Steele makes some interesting points especially about the longevity of different species, some getting a far better run than others. We humans do okay but whales and tortoises, wow! He claims that aging is not a natural thing, its a disease and should be treated as such. It's a short book and mostly he tries to make the case that the government should be funding more research into aging. Fair enough, but it tends to detract from the info he is trying to convey to the reader. (less)
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Marcus Brooke
Mar 10, 2021Marcus Brooke rated it really liked it
It’s technically a good book which is very detailed on the scientific studies that are currently underway on the extension of human lifespan. All aspects seem to be covered from cell replication, stem cell research, glycation of proteins to dietary restriction. However, if you’re looking for answers to what you can do now to extend your life, then it’s limited. It appears that we’re at an early stage of research and it’s a complicated subject. It seems that our bodies are on a knife-edge of positive and negative molecular reactions - using stem cells can extend life but can increase the risk of cancer if used in the wrong environment. Every positive has a negative.
Steele wants the book to be a call to action for everyone, including governments, to start focusing on treating ageing, instead of treating the individual results of ageing - cancers, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, Parkinsons, etc, that come from old age.
Spoiler alert - in the penultimate chapter, Steele has these as summary headings:
1. Don’t smoke.
2. Don’t eat too much.
3. Get some exercise.
4. Get 7-8 hours sleep a night.
5. Get vaccinated and wash your hands.
6. Take care of your teeth.
7. Wear sunscreen.
8. Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
9. Don’t bother with vitamins.
10. Don’t bother with longevity drugs yet.
11. Be a woman.
One thing that I did pick up on, (which was only a single sentence) was regarding glycation of proteins - sugar is bad for the body and causes glycation (inflammation/rearrangement of cells), leading to impaired elasticity of tissues such as blood vessels, skin, and tendons. He mentions that fructose seems to be more of a problem than other sugars…I eat a lot of fruit so I’m going to cut down on that. Also he didn't discuss hydration - it's one of my rules for being healthy, to stay hydrated, but maybe it doesn't affect lifespan....or he's just not looked at it.
Overall though, despite it being a tour de force on the subject, I’m left feeling disappointed because there doesn’t appear to be anything new that we can do to increase our lifespan - we’ve got to wait for science to catch up. (less)
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Michael Payne
Mar 28, 2021Michael Payne rated it really liked it
The bowhead whale is also a mammal like us, but it has an estimated lifespan of 200 years. Why do mice have such short lives while whales have exceptionally long lives?
Answer: Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution - Theodosius Dobzhansky
Antagonistic pleiotropy is the evolutionary mechanism by which our genes favour reproduction earlier in life (when we are most fertile) while our own genes have been selected to later program our cells to age, senesce and die through apoptosis.
The better we understand our evolutionary past, the more we can know our biological present. Andrew Steele explores these questions of how we animals age, how autophagy works, what are the potential therapeutic uses of Yamanaka factors and pluripotent stem cells. This overview of the latest science is spot on and well worth the read for anyone interesting in knowing better why your own clock ticks.
Though (spoiler alert) humans have yet to find many answers that extend lifespan, outside of caloric restriction. Alas, Andrew concludes with little more than well known advice of eating less, exercising more, avoiding smoking, and paying attention to obesity, cutaneous fats, and inflamm-aging. Hopefully, staying alive long enough for science to understand more.
In these pages, the spirit of Juan Ponce de Leon lives. In our genes, our fate like Leon's is foregone.
Read on. (less)
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S Ravishankar
Feb 14, 2021S Ravishankar rated it it was amazing
Excellent book that explains why we age, treating the aging and living longer despite this. The methods of increasing lifespan currently in research stage - dietary restriction, senolytics, telemerase point to many possible interventions and drugs that could together increase healthy life. These could also delay cancers, heart disease, stroke and dementia. Meanwhile the author argues for a healthy lifestyle to be well and living and thus benefit from these treatments in a couple of decades or more. (less)
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