Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity

I have read all of Dr. Topol's books and this one is no exception. There is a lot of up to date information about studies relating to aging and the disease. The book does an excellent job of summarizing a vast array of technological tools that can be used for diagnosing or potentially treating diseases or conditions that can accelerate aging. If someone has put something out in a study, then likely you will read about it in this book. The book is a great reference and although you will understand it better with a science background, if you are willing to take the time to process the information or look at the graphs and diagrams, then you can at least have an awareness that you would not have had before getting the book. It is not a page turner from a storytelling perspective but it is in terms of all of the new and unique angles that are covered in this book that are's covered even in Dr. Attia's book Outlive or in Dr. Greger's book How Not to Age. Overall an informative and enjoyable read!

I love Eric Topol’s new book *Super Agers*—it could just as easily be called *Evidence-Based Preventive Medicine 2025*. It’s deeply grounded in the literature, refreshingly free of hype, and Topol is always clear about study quality without overpromising. Given all the snake oil out there, it can be hard to know which news or press sources are credible - this one is not in doubt. His careful citations and well-established track record—through both his podcast and prolific publications—leave the reader confident in the veracity of his claims and the thoughtfulness of his conclusions. Many of the ideas he presents are genuinely exciting and may indeed help reduce disease burden and extend health span. The chapter on environmental mediators of disease and health span is exceptional—filled with insights I’ll be incorporating into how I think about my own diet.

Overall, Dr. Topol’s book offers a valuable overview of the medical literature relevant to aging. However, as a psychiatrist, I found Chapter 11, which addresses mental health, lacking in several important respects. First, Dr. Topol’s discussion of SSRIs in major depressive disorder (MDD) is incomplete. While he notes that the effect size of SSRIs is modest in depression, he omits the robust evidence supporting their efficacy in cases of severe major depressive disorder. Multiple meta-analyses and clinical guidelines indicate that SSRIs are effective for moderate to severe depression, particularly when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. The effect size may be small in mild depression, but for severe cases, SSRIs remain a cornerstone of treatment and are recommended by major guidelines. Additionally, SSRIs are effective in preventing relapse when continued as maintenance therapy. Second, the chapter raises unwarranted doubts about the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression. On page 270, Dr. Topol questions whether ECT is a valid treatment for depression. This overlooks a substantial body of evidence demonstrating that ECT is highly effective for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar depression, and certain cases of refractory psychosis, such as catatonia. While ECT is not appropriate for all patients, it is a critical option in the therapeutic armamentarium for select, severe cases. In summary, while Topol’s book is generally informative, the treatment of psychiatric interventions—especially regarding SSRIs and ECT—does not fully reflect the strength of the current scientific evidence. A more nuanced and comprehensive discussion would have better served readers seeking guidance on mental health in the context of aging.

Love this book! Dr. Topol covers the gamut of longevity in health research. Pragmatic view of the role of obesity, exercise, and diet in life extension. I appreciated the chapters where he points out scant empirical data supporting a health goal. For instance, the 10,000 steps per day widely in use does not have metadata supporting health. May be as few as a daily goal of 2,700 steps. The USA has one of the least healthy populations. From highly processed food to sedentary lives we have a serious crisis at play. The 2013 classification of Obesity as a disease is a start. Super Agers fills in the blanks on how to resolve this issue.

I have say with honesty that the content of this book is a tough reading starting from Chapter 1 as the author assumes that the reader has a strong academic background in biomedical sciences. Even though I have a PhD in physics and extensive research career in basic physical sciences, I was lost starting in page 4 with terms such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I kept on reading as the author gives important easily understandable information on lifestyles impact on health in chapter 3. I did read thru the entire book with the intention of going back later on to try to understand the content better after I first learn biology from online courses. It is definitely a biomedical science book, not for beginners like myself. This is my Second review after finished re reading the book (2026): The content has definitely good biomedical science information and described its impact on health conditions. I learned a lot from it even though it took me a lot of time doing google AI search to understand the meaning of some (not all) of the technical nomenclature. I suspect that A lot of the nomenclature can only be found in highly technical medical books and references written by and for biomedical researchers . I could not access 99% of the references as they required paid subscription and I assume they can be found if one has access to research libraries. Let me summarize that this book is worth re reading several times but it is not for those "faint of heart: in self learning research level concepts and results

This is one of the best books that explains the current state of evidence based medical research in the areas of chronic illness and its impact on healthy aging and increasing one’s health-span. With the advent of new medical discoveries and technologies Dr. Topol makes a strong case for converting our current health system from one of reactive prescription to early identification and prevention. A great read if you want to understand the current state of medical research and its future impact on aging. Dr. Topol provides an honest assessment of the current and future state of medical research by debunking many misinformed myths and provides an optimistic path for the way forward to better health and a longer life. A highly recommended read from a real cardiologist.

This book is a must have. Seriously. I think this is the 7th copy I have ordered for myself and for friends and colleagues. How good is it? Well, I am currently temporarily on crutches and ordered a copy for all 3 floors in our house so I could have one on every floor to read and reread when I have time (which I have more of now because of the crutches) This book is a totally evidence based discussion of current realities based on data and current fads/misrepresentations of data or lack of data when it comes to aging. The focus is on healthier living with a full life mentally and physically and NOT necessarily living longer if it is meaningless life. As an MD with a Ph.D. in nutrition, I am very, very picky about books I give to friends, other physicians, and/or recommend. This one is high on the list of must reads. I would love to see Drs. Topol and Attia discuss the topics covered in this book on joint podcasts. Get this one and keep an open mind. You will NOT be disappointed.

Super Ager is not a new Marvel comic hero. It’s the new neologism, the buzzword coined by Dr. Eric Topol. A cardiologist, professor, and leading researcher in the fields of digital medicine, genomics (the study of an organism’s entire set of DNA ), and AI in healthcare. Yeah, he’s no dummy! “I ask you to bear with me. This book is evidence-based. In some chapters, the technical information is quite dense on the page…If nothing else, it will help families discuss options with their doctors.” I guarantee this is not a cuddle up and get cozy book. This 452-page book is for health geeks who froth at the mouth when reading academic and scientific jargon or as a supplemental in-depth reference guide for us everyday folks…I skimmed/read. Good news! Maximizing the years of living with intact health is becoming easier. Yes, data changes because of new studies, but that doesn’t stop Dr. Topol's focus on how we can achieve our maximal health span. Frankly, after reading all the reasons why the human race should be extinct by now, with all the damage we cause, I’m enthusiastic to be just happy to be alive. As he believes we can shift from becoming (heads up on two made-up words from our Doc) ILL-derly to staying on the WELL-derly adventurous path as a Super Ager, consider moi part of that in-crowd.

Great book that puts everything into perspective that is evidence-based. A good side book to Dr.Greger's How NOt to Age. Everyone caught up in tiktok, instagram and "biohackers" who are NOT researchers should read this book as here's where the actual outcomes of studies is weighed properly. There are so many easy-to-read sections that will ease your mind and help your lifestyle. I use these two books in my personal training, cancer exercise, osteo fitness classes. All of the info. is so approachable and written in a way that will sit comfortably with any member of your family you hope to help. I loved his interviews with MelRobbins, Diary of a CEO which complemented the information in Superagers.

Aun con el ocasional humor norteamericano, es un libro que habla de investigaciones serias sobre el mejor envejecimiento fisiológico: morir joven lo más tarde que sea posible Una inversión redituable!

Science based

Es una perfecta revisión bibliográfica de la medicina que podemos aplicar a día de hoy y espero que se pueda difundir esta forma de aplicar y practicar la medicina de una forma generalizada en un futuro próximo.

Interestingly, however, the same information is repeated throughout the book.