Book Review: Outlive

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has been on my list for a while. Years ago, I heard the author on some podcasts but didn't connect with his vibe and personality. Also, the length of the book was a bit offputting. However, I am so glad I finally picked this one up. In fact, I have the Kindle version and also listened to the audio version. I recommend this to anyone interested in aging better.

This book focuses on how we can live longer and better. Through research, anecdotes, and personal experiences, Dr. Attia communicates complex processes and ways to prevent, mitigate, treat, or reverse diseases. His three-part approach to longevity includes having a clear objective, using a science-based strategy, and having tools and tactics to implement your longevity goals.

The book serves as a guide addressing exercise, diet, sleep, emotional health, and exogenous molecules (i.e., drugs, hormones, supplements). You will be inspired to think about prevention, your uniqueness, and honestly assessing your health status.

“My goal is to create an actionable operating manual for the practice of longevity. A guide that will help you Outlive…with enough time and effort, you can potentially extend your lifespan by a decade and your healthspan possibly by two…my intent here is not to tell you exactly what to do; it’s to help you learn how to think about doing these things” (p. 18).

There is a ton of information—something for everyone—that you can learn and apply to improve your life and health span. The book is thorough. The author’s tone is encouraging, and he achieves his goal of providing both the knowledge and tools to increase longevity and “outlive.”

For some, it may be overwhelming. One of the most interesting sections for me was the chapter on mental health and the author’s journey. I wish he had addressed this domain first. Also, this is not a step-by-step guide; information is provided, and then you have to create your own action plan tailored to you. You have to put the work in to benefit from Medicine 3.0—prevention, individuality, and honest assessment.


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