This 600-page book provides the layperson with a scientific approach to getting healthier as we get older. Do we need Big Pharma in our golden years? Certainly sometimes. But Dr Greger presents evidence from a range of medical professionals that should convince us to ‘heal ourselves’ wherever possible. The bulk of the material is, as one might imagine, about food. There are lengthy discussions of the myriad of foods and food combinations that may or may not cause harm.

The first chapter covers autophagy, epigenetics, glycation, inflammation, oxidation, telomers and activated proteins. The next chapter provides an anti-aging regimen, including diets of octogenarians in Japan and the Mediterranean. More sushi and olives, please. The final chapter details the virtues of berries, nuts, greens and probiotics. More Kimchi, too, please.

There are so many confounding factors within each and everyone of us that even having a cup of tea is not simple. For example, Chamomile tea might be too anti-inflammatory in late pregnancy, depending other factors in the woman’s chemical make-up. Collagen supplements may or may not be good for you depending on that else you are eating.

HOW NOT TO AGE is a useful book but there is one thing missing. LAUGHTER. It is proven that having fun releases hormones that improve overall health. The most important one, serotonin, helps regulate sleep patterns, memory, body temperature, and mood.

There is one QR code on the last page of the book that you can aim your phone at to find the thousands of references. However, the text is full references to organisations or doctors that supports the text. The book would be more readable if those references were put in the QR code.
Dr Greger’s other books include HOW NOT TO DIE and HOW NOT TO DIET.

Published by Bluebird, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, December 2023, $39.99
ISBN: 978-1-5290-5734-8

Published by Bluebird, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, December 2023, $39.99

ISBN: 978-1-5290-5734-8

Book review by Carol Dance