The best 57 Aging books

Being Mortal (2014) helps the reader navigate and understand one of life’s most sobering inevitabilities: death. In this book, you will learn about the successes and failures of modern society’s approach to death and dying. You’ll also learn how to confront death and, by doing so, how to make the most out of life.

• Anyone who has wondered how to improve the lives of the elderly and terminally ill
• Anyone with elderly or terminally ill loved ones
• Anyone who wants to improve their life by improving their death

The Paleo Manifesto (2013) is the go-to guide to going paleo. It explains why the Paleo diet is in sync with our ancestors’ diet, and how you can use humanity’s anthropological and evolutionary history to get fit, feel great and lead the healthy lifestyle you’ve always wanted to.

• Anybody looking for a sustainable, intelligent diet
• People tired of calorie-counting methods to lose weight
• Anyone interested in the history and development of the human diet

The Blue Zones (2012, first published in 2008) whisks you through the regions of the world with the highest concentrations of healthy centenarians. By examining how people in these regions live and interact, we gain insight into how to extend our own lifespans.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“If you’re eager to learn about far-flung spots around the world, and, on top of that, are curious to listen to what the oldest among us have to say about living a long and healthy life, I recommend The Blue Zones. The communities featured in these blinks have one unique thing in common: the longevity of their residents. Read on to find out what sets them apart from the rest of the planet.”

– Emily, User Engagement Lead at Blinkist

• People who want to live longer
• Health enthusiasts

Ending Aging (2007) puts forward a fascinating theory about how science may allow human beings to slow the hands of time and, therefore, the process of aging. Learn what happens in our bodies that leads to aging, disease and cancer – and how modern science might be able to put an end to these problems once and for all.

• Students of gerontology
• Anyone hoping to prolong their life
• Biologists interested in the experimental science of aging

Death’s Summer Coat (2016) is a peculiar and sometimes gruesome look at the history of a subject we don’t like to think about: death. Learn about how death rituals and the medical profession affect our relationship with the deceased – and that defining death isn’t as easy as one might think.

• Anyone mourning the loss of a loved one
• Historians interested in rituals of death and funerals
• Morticians and medical professionals who have to deal with death on a daily basis

The 100-Year Life (2016) is your guide to thriving in a world in which people are living longer. These blinks explain how the working world has changed, what it means for your retirement and which adjustments you need to make to enjoy life into the triple digits.

• Anyone born in the 1990s or early 2000s
• Employees who feel stuck in a thankless job
• Parents worried about the future in which their children will live

Deep Nutrition (2008) is about modern diets and how they’re making people sick. These blinks explain the danger of industrially produced food, what it’s doing to our bodies and how we can return to an earlier way of eating that will keep us healthier for years to come.

• Couples who want to have kids
• Sick people who can’t seem to get better
• Health enthusiasts

The Longevity Project (2012) is about the impressive and revealing Terman Study, which followed a group of people for eight decades in order to find out what habits and practices helped them live long and healthy lives. These blinks explain why marriage might not be as healthy as you think, and what you can do to improve your chances of happiness and longevity.

• People who want to live longer
• Anyone tired of standard health advice
• Students of medicine and psychology

How Not to Die (2015) explains how a plant-based diet can extend your life while transforming your quality of living. These blinks offer a wealth of health-boosting nutritional information and hands-on dietary advice that you won’t get from your doctor.

• Patients diagnosed with life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes
• Those with a family history of such conditions
• Anyone who is overweight, tired or generally feels unwell

100 Million Years of Food (2016) is about the foods our ancestors ate and how that diet relates to our eating habits today. These blinks will take you way back in time to explore the evolution of eating. They’ll explain that, while there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, there are a few general rules to abide by.

• Anyone who is dissatisfied with their weight or health
• Readers who are on the lookout for reliable dietary recommendations
• History and food lovers

The Telomere Effect (2017) explains why some people look and feel younger than others. These blinks walk you through the science of telomeres, which are at the cellular root of the aging process. You’ll learn how it’s possible to do right by your telomeres and live a longer life.

• Anyone who wants to look and feel younger as they age.
• Health buffs looking for new tips.
• Couples thinking about having children or those who have just had one.

Clean (2009) puts our bodies and environment under the microscope. It reveals just how many toxins we’re constantly exposing ourselves to, which include dangerous toxins in our food and harmful emissions, coming from both indoors and out. Fortunately, we can detoxify. So find out what steps you need to take to rid your body of the unhealthy residue that is currently increasing your chances for all sorts of cancers and diseases.

• Tired and rundown people who need a boost
• Health nuts who are always on the lookout for advice
• People interested in alternative medicine

Natural Causes (2018) reveals the truth behind the medical world’s encouragement of common procedures, treatments and screenings. It scrutinizes why Western society is averse to aging and obsessed with exercising, and, along the way, explores the effects of modernity on our mental capabilities.

• People over the age of 60
• Those interested in the social influence of modern medicine
• People who spend a lot of time concerned about their health

Genius Foods (2018) makes a simple but compelling point: what we eat today is starving our brains. Drawing on the most up-to-date scientific research, it connects the dots and shows just how our diets can affect our cognitive health. But this isn’t just an academic treatise – it’s an actionable plan that’ll put you on the path to greater mental agility, balance and a happier life while safeguarding yourself against dementia.

• Healthy eaters looking for data-driven nutritional advice
• Dieticians, nutritionists and food scientists
• Anyone looking to fine-tune their gray cells

The Story of the Human Body (2013) is a fascinating exploration of a story over a million years in the making: the evolution of the human body. Departing from the moment our ancestors first distinguished themselves from their hominid brethren, Daniel Lieberman traces the biological history of humans right down to our office-bound present.

• Anyone who’s ever wondered how we got from cave- to city-dwelling
• Fans of big-picture science
• Anyone interested in nutrition and fitness

Women Rowing North (2019) explores how women can continue to flourish as they enter their sixties and seventies. Through poignant stories from real women’s lives, these blinks examine the possibilities for happiness, friendship and community engagement in the later stages of life.

• Older women looking for inspiration
• Self-help enthusiasts seeking fresh insights
• Those interested in gender politics

The Longevity Paradox (2019) looks at three of the most crucial factors behind aging well: our gut bacteria, our gut walls and our mitochondria. By helping us to understand the roles these factors play in our health, and by showing us some powerful strategies we can adopt to support them, the author points us toward long and healthy lives.

• Young people wanting to avoid the problems that often accompany aging  
• Older people wanting to escape those problems
• Anyone interested in alternative medical views

Successful Aging (2020) turns the idea that old age is a time of inevitable decline and discomfort on its head. Daniel J. Levitin gives us insight into the neuroscience of aging and, along the way, a bunch of tips about how we can not only cope with aging, but actually appreciate it as a unique life phase.

• Anyone who plans on aging
• Friends, partners, and family of an aging loved one
• Neuroscience buffs

Elderhood (2019) is an exploration of aging in America. Mixing personal anecdotes with sociological insights, author Louise Aronson illuminates what it means to grow old in a society fixated on youth, speed and efficiency. By challenging our stereotypes about old age, we can start paving the path to a better elderhood.

• Children with aging parents
• Students considering the field of geriatrics
• The elderly and the aging

Who Will Cry When You Die (1999) contains life wisdom that will help you lead a full and generous life. It provides advice and strategies for being the best version of yourself. This means that when you die, your loved ones will cry not simply because they miss you, but also because they are grateful for everything you contributed during your lifetime. 

• Entrepreneurs
• Coaches and psychologists
• Slackers wanting to improve their lives and achieve personal success

“No supplement can replicate the full spectrum of light humans need from the sun.”

Super Human (2019) is a guide to the latest research in longevity. By making basic changes in your diet and adopting cutting-edge anti-aging technology, you can bypass aging for decades to come while looking as good as you feel.

• Middle-aged men and women who want to age backwards
• Young adults suffering from obesity, fatigue, or health problems associated with aging
• Bulletproof Diet devotees

The Inflamed Mind (2018) explains the latest science behind a new theory linking depression to inflammation of the body and brain. Bringing together insights from medicine, psychology and evolutionary theory, psychiatrist Edward Bullmore reveals the complex connections between our immune system and our mental health – and shows how a new holistic understanding of body, mind and brain could revolutionize the way we see and treat depression.

• Med students, physicians and scientists interested in the mind and brain
• Psychologists and therapists interested in how physical illness affects mental health
• Anyone who has dealt with depression

SuperLife (2015) is the missing manual for your body. By outlining the five life forces fundamental to human well-being, it explains how you can harness these forces to optimize your health, feel amazing, and live long into the future.

• Future-minded people concerned about their long-term health and longevity
• Young and middle-aged people who are suffering from premature aches and pains
• People who want to feel their best every day

Self-Help That Works (2013, Fourth Edition) offers the valuable service of taking the top recommendations from mental health professionals in the US and compiling the results in one handy volume. You’ll find which self-help resources the experts recommend on over 40 of the most popular topics.

• Anyone wondering what the best self-help books are
• People looking for tips on better living
• Couples and parents seeking advice

Midlife (2017) is a philosophical guide to navigating the troubles that middle age can present. Drawing on thinkers from ancient Rome to nineteenth-century England, it offers gentle solace in the face of midlife’s woes.

• Middle-aged people on the cusp of a midlife crisis
• Those with relatives or friends past their mid-thirties
• Anyone interested in applying philosophy to life

The Diet Compass (2018) boils down the latest research on health, aging, and nutrition into one scientifically-backed program that anyone can apply to their own diet. When the author, Bas Kast, collapsed while jogging at the young age of 40, he decided to radically change his diet and live a healthier lifestyle. The book is a result of years pursuing the question: What really is healthy?

• Vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike
• Health-news skeptics
• Anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle based on the latest peer-reviewed research

Exercised (2020) is a cutting-edge account of physical activity, rest, and human health. Drawing on groundbreaking research in the fields of exercise science, evolutionary theory, and anthropology, it presents a unique account of the human body’s needs and abilities.

• Fitness fanatics interested in a broader view of health and exercise
• Exercise-avoiders seeking to change their ways for good
• Amateur anthropologists and armchair doctors

Livewired (2020) is an exploration into how the brain is constantly reconfiguring itself. As it learns new information about the world around it, the brain changes shape. We’re always discovering more about its astonishing adaptability.

• Fans of popular science 
• Students of biology and human anatomy
• People keen to expand their own brains

Wiser (2020) combines a scientific approach to wisdom with practical tips on how to grow wiser today. Drawing on decades of research and cutting-edge studies, it pairs explanation and advice in its investigation of compassion, aging, decision-making, and more.

• Busy twenty-first-century folk hungry for old-fashioned wisdom
• Amateur scientists interested in discovering more about the brain
• People who want to get wise before they get old

The Science and Technology of Growing Young (2021) reveals that the Longevity Revolution is just around the corner. Thanks to developments in AI, quantum computing, and genome sequencing, we’re able to engage in genetic engineering, manufacture new body parts, and treat diseases before they’ve even begun to affect us. These developments will soon allow us to live longer and healthier lives than we ever thought possible.

• Tech geeks curious about how AI has impacted health care
• Middle-aged people wanting to reverse the effects of aging
• People who want to find out how to optimize their health to live longer, fuller lives

The XX Brain (2020) is a practical guide to improving women’s brain health and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Women are suffering from an Alzheimer’s epidemic, but so far the medical industry isn’t doing much about it. The XX Brain shows you how to take your health into your own hands, demand the medical treatment you deserve, and take concrete steps to help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. 

• Women looking to proactively protect their brains from disease
• Women who are forgetful and would like more mental clarity
• Health professionals wanting to improve their approach to women’s healthcare

Falling Upward (2011) explores the “tasks” of the two halves of life. It explains that the second half of life isn’t about getting old; it’s about filling the “container” that we create during the first half and finding our purpose. 

• First-half lifers looking for insights
• People who’ve “fallen” and need comfort
• Second-half lifers seeking reassurance 

Younger Next Year (2019) is an actionable guide to delaying the onset of 70 percent of normal aging signs until well into your final years. It focuses on seven rules for achieving a stronger, healthier, and younger body and mind. 

• Retirees who want to regain their youth
• People close to retirement
• Anyone craving a healthier lifestyle

From Strength to Strength (2022) is a roadmap for thriving in the second half of life. Packed with practical advice, it helps readers stop dwelling on past successes and find fulfillment in the present.

• Anyone facing the decline of their professional abilities
• Professionals preparing to pivot from one career to another
• Everyone who wants to lead a life full of purpose

Man Overboard! (2022) is a comprehensive guide to the most common health challenges men are likely to encounter as they get older. It not only explains the difference between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction and what to watch out for with obesity and deadly types of cancer but also provides tools for men to take control of their health to keep living an active life without too many unpleasant surprises.

• Men over 40 looking to build on their knowledge of common health problems
• Anyone interested in healthcare communication
• People wondering if Viagra is all it professes to be

And Finally (2022) is about a doctor becoming a patient. The process is painful for neurosurgeon and author Dr. Henry Marsh but in the end, he finds acceptance and understands what truly matters.

• Anyone transitioning to a new stage of life
• People with questions about aging
• Those whose lives have been touched by cancer

Outlive (2023) is a comprehensive guide to living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Drawing on cutting-edge science and practical advice, it empowers you to optimize your exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional health for maximum longevity.

• Individuals seeking a healthier, longer life
• Fitness enthusiasts wanting well-rounded advice
• Anyone interested in optimizing mental well-being

Forever Young (2023) challenges the notion that poor health associated with aging is an inevitable part of life. Instead, it provides a roadmap to not only live longer but to enjoy good health until death.

• Young people wanting to set themselves up for a long, healthy life
• Older people looking to reverse the aging process
• Those suffering from disease who want to improve their well-being

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) is an iconic late-Victorian gothic novel that centers on the young aesthete Dorian, who never seems to age or feel the ill effects of his hedonistic lifestyle, and the supernatural portrait that reveals the truth behind the face Dorian presents to the world.

• Literature lovers wanting to meet one of the canon’s most iconic characters
• Fans of gothic fiction, ready to get acquainted with a classic of the genre
• History buffs who want the scoop on one of the Victorian era’s most scandalous books

The Hormone Shift (2023) is an empowering roadmap to managing hormone changes through all stages of life – especially menopause. With an East-meets-West perspective, it combines scientific knowledge and compassionate advice to help women understand and navigate the big hormonal transitions in their lives.

• Women approaching or going through menopause who want to understand the changes in their bodies
• Women of any age seeking natural solutions for hormone-related issues like PMS, irregular periods, and infertility
• Anyone interested in integrative medicine and combining Eastern and Western medical approaches

The Complete Eldercare Planner (2009) is a widely trusted guide that offers extensive information and advice for family caregivers and professionals involved in eldercare. It covers essential topics such as prioritizing and organizing caregiving tasks, balancing work and family responsibilities, and navigating the complex maze of eldercare services. The guide is known for its comprehensive, sensitive, and practical approach to managing the challenges of caring for elderly individuals.

• Family caregivers of elderly relatives
• Healthcare professionals specializing in geriatric care
• Adults planning for their own aging

How Not to Age (2021) delves into the scientific understanding of the aging process, exploring biological mechanisms and lifestyle choices that can influence longevity and vitality. It offers a comprehensive look at research-based strategies, from diet and exercise to sleep and stress management, to slow down aging and improve overall health. Get practical advice, debunk the myths, and discover effective, scientifically grounded approaches to aging well.

• Health enthusiasts 
• People who plan to live past 100
• Anyone curious about separating myth from fact in the anti-aging industry

Younger for Life (2024) provides a roadmap to preventing and reversing visible signs of aging holistically. It introduces the multifactorial process of autojuvenation and offers a step-by-step guide to tapping into your body’s natural ability to renew and repair itself through foods, supplements, skincare, stress management, and in-office procedures.

• Young adults wanting to guard against unnecessary aging
• Older adults seeking to treat and slow signs of aging
• Medical professionals and students interested in holistic approaches

Quantum Body (2023) presents a groundbreaking exploration of health and well-being, delving into the intricate relationship between quantum science and our physical existence. It introduces the concept of the quantum body, an infinite, subatomic entity that profoundly influences your physical and mental state and health, yet frequently goes unrecognized.

• Health enthusiasts interested in quantum science
• Anyone exploring nontraditional health approaches
• Fans of Deepak Chopra's work

The New Menopause (2024) is a guide that empowers everyone to navigate the challenges and opportunities of menopause with confidence and grace. Through a combination of myth-busting, practical advice, and personal insights, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being during this pivotal phase of life. 

• Those going through menopause – or who anticipate doing so
• Family and friends of someone going through menopause who want to provide support
• Anyone seeking to better understand and empathize with the experiences of menopause

Reversing Alzheimer's (2024) offers a groundbreaking perspective on combating a devastating disease, presenting evidence-based strategies to improve cognition and quality of life for those affected. Drawing from clinical practice and cutting-edge research, it provides actionable steps for patients and caregivers to fortify brain health and potentially reverse cognitive decline – challenging the notion of Alzheimer's as an inevitable fate.

• Family members and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's or dementia
• Healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics or neurology
• People interested in preventative measures against age-related cognitive issues

The Longevity Formula (2024) explores holistic practices and personalized strategies for enhancing longevity, blending ancestral wisdom with contemporary medical insights. Underscoring the importance of synchronizing your circadian rhythm, balancing your gut microbiome, and stimulating your vagus nerve, it offers a path to optimizing your health span and life span. 

• Adults seeking to enhance vitality 
• Healthcare practitioners exploring integrative approaches 
• Anyone curious about Ayurveda 

Eat Your Age (2025) provides a decade-by-decade guide to optimizing health and longevity through tailored nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. It emphasizes the importance of aligning dietary and wellness habits with the body’s changing needs to prevent age-related issues. By following its advice, you can feel younger, improve overall well-being, and enhance your quality of life.

• Younger adults seeking to establish healthy habits
• Older adults looking to prevent age-related diseases
• Anyone ready to improve their overall well-being

The Longevity Imperative (2024) explores how individuals and societies can adapt to the changes brought about by longer life expectancies. It highlights the need for substantial transformations in health care, the economy, and social systems to ensure that longer lives aren’t just lived but are healthier, happier, and more productive. By rethinking how you approach your career, relationships, and finances, it offers a roadmap for embracing the opportunities of an extended lifespan and creating a society prepared for the longevity revolution.

• Older workers seeking career and financial planning advice
• Young professionals preparing for healthier, longer life spans
• Policymakers and caregivers shaping longevity-focused societal change

The End of Alzheimer's Program (2020) provides a step-by-step plan to protect – and even restore – cognitive health. It uncovers hidden drivers of Alzheimer’s, such as inflammation, toxins, and insulin resistance, and offers practical strategies to address them. Through a targeted approach that includes diet, sleep, exercise, and personalized interventions, this program empowers you to take control of your brain health and enhance mental clarity.

• Caregivers and families of patients with Alzheimer’s
• Individuals concerned about brain health and longevity
• Medical professionals and researchers studying cognitive decline

Why We Die (2024) explores the science of longevity, as well as some ethical implications. Is it possible to extend our life spans – or even live forever? And if we could, are we really sure we’d want to?

• Those interested in the science of longevity
• People who are skeptical about the anti-aging industry
• Anyone currently contemplating their mortality

The Ageless Brain (2025) presents a comprehensive approach to preventing and reversing cognitive decline. Through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, it integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with practical strategies aimed at maintaining and enhancing brain health throughout one's life. 

• People of any age who want to prevent cognitive decline
• Caregivers of those with memory loss or Alzheimer’s
• Anyone who wants to improve their overall brain health and longevity

Floored (2025) is a candid, empowering guide to understanding and healing the pelvic floor –⁠ an essential but often ignored part of the body that affects everything from continence to sexual wellness. The book breaks down myths, normalizes conversation around symptoms like pain and leakage, and offers practical tools for recovery across all life stages. With clarity and compassion, it urges women to reclaim agency over their bodies and demand better medical care.

• Pregnant and postpartum women
• Fitness and body literacy enthusiasts
• People experiencing pelvic pain or incontinence

Joyspan (2025) reframes aging as an era of growth, offering a practical, science-based path to sustaining inner well-being beyond lifespan and healthspan. It shows you how to leverage strengths that often sharpen with age – like judgment, empathy, patience, problem-solving, resilience, and a deeper spiritual life – so you stay visible to yourself and live fully to the end.

• Adults in midlife and beyond seeking more meaning and joy
• Caregivers and family members supporting aging loved ones
• Health and wellness professionals working with older adults

What Matters Most (2025) is a guide to living from an end-of-life doula. Through her work with the dying, Diane Button has learned what matters most in life, and how we can prepare for a good death by living well.

• People facing the prospect of the death of a loved one
• Those who want to know what makes a “good death”
• Anyone looking for advice on how to live a more fulfilling life

Grow or Fold (2026) challenges you to reject the stagnation often accepted in midlife and instead actively design a future of purpose and resilience. It provides a strategic toolkit to ruthlessly audit your life, identifying the specific habits and mindsets holding you back from your true potential. By treating your personal growth with the same rigour as a high-stakes business turnaround, you'll learn to use catastrophic challenges as fuel for your most significant chapter yet.

• Midlife professionals seeking a strategic roadmap for career reinvention
• Parents raising children with disabilities
• Aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to align passion with professional success

The Invincible Brain (2026) reveals how your daily habits play a vital role in shaping your memory, focus, and long-term brain health – right down to the level of your cells. It explains what you can start doing today to help your brain grow stronger, sharper, and more resilient, no matter how old you are.

• People who worry about memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease
• Anyone interested in staying mentally sharp and protecting their brain as they age
• Individuals dealing with brain fog, stress, or attention challenges