Before his most recent endorsement of Sahil Bloom’s new book, The 5 Types of Wealth, billionaire hedge fund investor Bill Ackman had publicly recommended just one other book on X: Dr. Peter Attia’s Outlive.
Dr. Peter Attia, a doctor and preventive health advocate, author, and longevity influencer, discusses the art and science of living longer. His 500-page #1 New York Times Bestseller, which has reportedly sold over two million copies, covers a wide range of topics including optimal exercise zones, the benefits of rucking, the importance of grip strength, the science behind protein intake, and stress management.
Here are three key takeaways from Attia’s book:
Health Span Over Life Span
Attia discusses the gap between life span and health span, a term used by aging and longevity experts to describe how long people live in good health. According to a McKinsey report, this gap is about a decade or more for Americans and 25% longer for women than men. Attia’s book encourages readers to not only focus on living longer but living longer in good health. He suggests that the final decade of one’s life could be when they have the most influence on younger generations and contribute significantly to others. The book emphasizes targeted healthy-aging goals to improve health span, such as regular exercise and learning new skills, and highlights the importance of reducing the risk of chronic conditions.
In Outlive, Attia outlines strategies to mitigate the “four horsemen of aging”: cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic dysfunction, and degenerative neurological disorders. His recommendations include lifestyle changes such as a nutrient and protein-rich diet and regular strength training.
Medicine 3.0
Attia describes contemporary healthcare practices, which he terms Medicine 2.0, as reactive, focusing on treatment after illness occurs. In contrast, Medicine 3.0 is a proactive approach that focuses on precision medicine and tailoring health plans to an individual’s specific biological needs. Attia’s Austin-based clinic provides personalized health recommendations after conducting various tests, as reported by the New Yorker.
Preventative health is gaining popularity with clinics offering tests for biomarkers and personalized health advice. Attia has invested in a biohacking clinic, which charges $7,500 annually and will open a second location in New York City. He suggests low-cost interventions, including sleep, exercise, and social interactions, and advocates for detailed health data assessments like heart disease risk biomarkers and tests for bone mineral density, metabolic health, and aerobic capacity.
Emotional Health as a Longevity Priority
In Outlive, Attia mentions his past strict regimen, which included a ketogenic diet and extensive exercise, but acknowledges the importance of emotional health alongside physical health. Emotional well-being is a critical component of healthy aging, with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression potentially increasing dementia risk, and social isolation linked to chronic conditions.
Attia emphasizes the significance of social connections, which studies have shown are pivotal for happiness in later life. Mindfulness, deep breathing, and sufficient sleep are highlighted as essential practices for enhancing emotional health.
For further information on longevity, readers can explore related topics on successful aging, surveys on life span predictions, and ways to reduce dementia risk.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
