Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today by Sanjay Gupta

The life-prolonging quest for immortality has captured the imaginations of humans since the dawn of history. In his new book Chasing Life, Sanjay Gupta looks at the newest innovations, ideologies, and potential solutions to help extend our lifespan and make aging more graceful.

In Chasing Life, Gupta dives into research done by scientists and medical professionals who are pushing the boundaries of aging. He takes us to incredible places such as a California biotechnology firm that is developing nanotechnology to eradicate diseases caused by aging. He examines the potential of stem-cell therapy, combined with technology and diet, to slow down the aging process. We even journey to Okinawa, a beautiful island off the coast of Japan, to explore the secrets of the islanders who, on average, outlive the rest of us by up to seven years.

Gupta also sheds light on some of the diets and lifestyle choices we can pursue to extend our time on earth. He looks in depth at calorie restriction and intermittent fasting and examines their roles in the lifespan-extending equation. He explains the five pillars of longevity—exercise, eating, stress management, proper sleep and the power of community—and the enormous effect they can have on the aging process.

But what’s equally important to consider, and something that Gupta does particularly well, is the mental and emotional implications of obsessively pursuing an extended lifespan. While life-extension techniques and therapies can often slow down or prevent certain diseases and physical ailments, Gupta warns us to be mindful of the unintended consequences that come with making drastic and permanent changes to our lifestyle—namely, the potential mental and emotional challenges that come with living longer. He emphasizes that while gaining more years is certainly possible, it comes with a trade-off.

The key takeaway from Chasing Life is that if done properly and mindfully, extending our lifespan and experiencing graceful aging is something we can all achieve. As Gupta explains, understanding where the human body is vulnerable, what works and what doesn't, and how to use these tools to keep our bodies and our minds healthy is the key to a longer and happier life. By utilizing the social, medical and scientific advances of today, along with love and compassion, Gupta says it is possible to chase life and bring a vibrant spark to our years.

Overall, Chasing Life is an engaging and insightful journey through the cutting-edge science of life-extension and its implications for the modern person. Through his exploration of the latest advances in medical, technological and dietary science, Gupta paints a compelling picture of the importance of aging mindfully, and presents us with the knowledge to extend our lives and age better today.