Dr. Eric Topol, a prominent cardiologist and the founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, has released a new book titled “Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity.” In this new work, he takes a deep dive into evidence-based approaches to live longer and live better. He takes on faddish bio-hacking and anti-science narratives that can trick everyday people into thinking they’re being told the full story.
Topol’s book paints a picture of the “wellderly.” This term refers to people over 80 years old who are healthy and not suffering from chronic illness. He contends that it is indeed possible to prevent major health threats such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders through systematic, evidence-based strategies.
Rejecting the call of ostentatious regimes touted by characters like Bryan Johnson, Topol instead underscores a holistic approach to health. He advocates a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. He recommends limited, but non-obsessive, consumption of caffeine and alcohol as well. Regular exercise, social engagement and adequate sleep are key parts of his health prescriptions.
“Everyone should do all these things now,” – Dr. Eric Topol
Topol intersperses these lifestyle interventions with examples of how far medical science has come. He has a vision for how new medical interventions can assist seniors in better navigating their late life chapters. With future breakthroughs, they can endure fewer negative health outcomes. On vaccines and breakthrough medications, he’s very hopeful. He has great hope that treatments such as GLP-1s will be the key to the future of primary prevention.
More recently, Topol’s outlook has darkened considerably. This change is mostly a response to a steep drop in the availability of funding for science research in the United States. He uses as an example Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment to run the health department. When viewed in the context of the state of medical research today, this is a deeply troubling decision.
“Right now, it’s such dark times in the medical research,” – Dr. Eric Topol
Regardless of these obstacles, Topol remains undeterred and deeply committed to his objective of advocating for an evidence-based model of health and longevity. He wants to counteract what he refers to as “pseudoscience” that is frequently found in conversations about aging and wellness.
“This book is trying to set the record straight, get rid of the pseudoscience, and paint an incredibly optimistic picture of how we are so well-positioned to prevent the three age-related diseases that compromise our health span,” – Dr. Eric Topol
His approach hopes to counteract harmful health fads with transparent, data-driven explanations. With a focus on the value of personalized risk assessments, Topol envisions a future where each person will have a much clearer picture of their health situation.
“But when you say specifically, ‘You have this risk, it’s bona fide. We can confirm it on many different clocks and layers of data. We have nailed it. This is your thing. This is what you want to avoid in your life, and you can prevent it,’” – Dr. Eric Topol
This level of precision in healthcare is necessary for the most effective prevention strategies. Topol makes clear that turning all of this knowledge into the actual practice is still a big challenge.
“Here is the problem: when you have a prescription to do all these things, almost no one does them,” – Dr. Eric Topol
His focus on practical, applicable advice is intended to motivate readers to be more proactive about their health. This change is not only urgent, but it comes from our sense of individual responsibility. We need a powerful support system that makes it easier and more rewarding for everyone to choose healthier, active lifestyles.