Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity Hardcover – May 6, 2025

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.

Well written so that all can understand. Full of useful information and fact based. Even entertaining.

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.

Although this book is very technical at times, it is very informative & backed up with data.

In Super Agers, renowned cardiologist Eric Topol offers a sweeping, densely packed guide to the evolving science of longevity. Topol’s central mission is clear: to show how modern medicine—bolstered by genomics, pharmacology, and AI—may allow many of us not simply to live longer, but to delay the onset of chronic disease and enjoy an extended healthspan.The book brims with valuable, up-to-the-minute insights, yet prospective readers should be forewarned: Super Agers is no breezy popular science title. Large sections read more like rigorous academic reviews than general-interest prose. Topol marshals hundreds of studies and showers the reader with specialized terminology, technical data, and acronyms, many of which would likely bewilder even the most diligent, college-educated audience. Skimming, rather than savoring, may become a survival strategy for many readers.Given Topol’s professional roots, it is no surprise that his discussion of cardiovascular disease prevention is among the book’s strongest and clearest contributions. By contrast, the opening to Chapter 6, which addresses cancer, is strikingly disjointed—an odd lapse in an otherwise meticulously constructed narrative.Among the most revelatory sections is Topol’s exploration of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs already famous for their role in diabetes and obesity treatment. Topol convincingly argues that their potential impact extends much further, suggesting they may reshape the landscape of medicine itself. “The impact of GLP-1 drugs in medicine—for improving patient outcomes—will likely be more substantial than any prior class of medications,” he writes, noting their “major triumph” in combining high efficacy with favorable safety profiles. At one point, Topol even speculates that “it is conceivable that most people will be taking one of the GLP-1 drugs in the future.” It’s a bold assertion, but one he supports with considerable evidence.Topol’s scholarly rigor is reinforced by an exhaustive list of references, although the unconventional note system—linking citations to chapter and page numbers rather than traditional footnotes—and the minuscule font size used for these notes are sure to frustrate anyone wishing to dive deeper without a magnifying glass.The ultimate question, then, is: for whom was this book written? Despite its glossy cover and broad promises, Super Agers seems best suited to practicing physicians, researchers, and highly motivated lay readers with a tolerance for complexity. Those willing to persevere will be rewarded with a bracing, if at times arduous, journey through the cutting edge of preventive medicine.Super Agers may not offer an easy path to a longer life, but it is a serious guide for those determined to understand—and perhaps seize—the promise of modern longevity science.

Very wise medical advice. Highly recommend this book.

Fantastic information! I found myself saying OMG this is incredible! Very easy to understand language and the information relating to studies has informed me how to make some changes. Very glad I bought this one!

Rather technical. Good information, but not the easiest read.