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Peter Attia, with Bill Gifford

The Science and Art of Longevity

4.3 (704 ratings)
20 mins

Brief summary

Outlive by Peter Attia, with Bill Gifford is a guide to living a longer, healthier life. It explores the science of aging and provides practical advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management to help readers optimize their healthspan and lifespan.

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    Outlive
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    An athlete of life

    You’ve probably heard of the many benefits of regular exercise. But did you know how important it is for living a long life? Well, it turns out that even a little bit of exercise can make a huge difference. Not only does exercise strengthen your heart and muscles – it improves circulation and benefits your brain by producing a molecule called BDNF – brain-derived neurotrophic factor – which helps with memory.

    All in all, exercise is like this magical potion that can help you live longer, healthier lives, and it's not even about picking sides between cardio or weights – it's all about finding exercise habits that work for you individually.

    Now, here's the amazing part – even just a little bit of regular exercise can make a huge difference and actually lengthen your life by several years, delay chronic diseases, and even slow down or reverse cognitive decline. Simply going from zero to 90 minutes a week can lower your risk of dying from any cause by 14 percent!

    And of course, being super fit means you're much less likely to die than if you're a couch potato. Studies show that the fittest people have the lowest mortality rates. In fact, having a low level of cardiorespiratory fitness is more dangerous than smoking.

    You might be thinking, “I’m old, how am I supposed to start lifting weights?” Well, it turns out strength training is really important for everyone, even the elderly and frail. It can improve mobility and physical function, which can help prevent falls and other health problems.

    Here’s a fun way to think about staying active as you age: become an athlete of life! Imagine you're training for a centenarian decathlon, a list of ten physical tasks you want to be able to do when you’re 100 years old. These might be climbing stairs, getting up off the floor, or hiking a trail. This will help you set goals for your fitness journey and keep you motivated.

    So, pick your ten events and start training for them. It’s all about being well-rounded and staying active in different ways. That way, you’ll be much more likely to be fit and healthy at 100 years old – and break the stereotype that old age has to be all about decline and misery.

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    What is Outlive about?

    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.

    Who should read Outlive?

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

    About the Author

    Peter Attia is a renowned physician and longevity expert with a focus on the science of human optimization. Having received his MD from Stanford University, he went on to work at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Cancer Institute. He’s known for his popular podcast The Peter Attia Drive, where he delves into topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health.

    Bill Gifford is a highly-respected health and wellness expert with a background in both journalism and science. He’s authored multiple best-selling books, including Spring Chicken and Ledyard.

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