Book Review: Longevity Made Simple

     Between 1900 and 2010, life expectancy increased from 47 years to over 78 years.  Future projections suggest life expectancy for adults living in the United States today will continue to increase and may reach as high as 100 years.  The challenge will be to make those added years as healthy and productive as possible.  Longevity Made Simple by Richard J. Flanigan, MD and his daughter, Kate Flanigan Sawyer, MD, MPH, is a simple, easy to read book that summarizes current research recommendations for promoting a longer life and helps readers identify ways that to apply these findings to their own life.

     The book is arranged in eleven chapters that can be grouped into 5 sections.  First, they identify the biggest threats to longevity, in particular, the top ten causes of death in the United States.  For each, they define and describe the condition and then go on to show how inter-related many of these conditions can be.  Finally, they list the research-based risk factors for developing the condition. 

     Second, they help the reader identify their own risk factor profile by identifying the most common eleven risk factors (7 controllable and 4 non-controllable) associated with disease development along with research-based benchmarks for healthy living.  These benchmarks give the reader a goal to achieve or work towards and can help the reader interpret medical test results. 

     Third, they devote five chapters to an in-depth description of some of the most important lifestyle factors that are also some of the most difficult to change behavioral risk factors.  Their discussion is unique in the simple way the information is presented and in the easily understandable descriptions of how to apply the information to the reader’s individual situation.

     They include 2 chapters on relevant medical interventions that may help increase longevity: medications and supplements and medical tests to monitor your health.  Finally, they summarize the material in their book by listing their “Top Ten” recommendations for improving both longevity and quality of life.

     I found the book relevant and focused on presenting important information in an easily understood manner.  I appreciated the medical and public health background of the authors.  Despite the wealth of information on this topic, this book stands out as an excellent summary of current thinking and a guide to a healthier, longer life.