Age – Brief Books about Big Ideas: Reflections

A brief but engaging look at getting older.

In Age, biogerontologist Suresh Rattan delves into the fascinating biology and philosophy of aging. Beginning with an exploration of the chemical origins and fundamental characteristics of life, Rattan then explains how gerontologists interpret human life as a continuum divided into four "ages." Our age flows forward and backward depending on how we feel, how we behave, and how we perceive ourselves. How we approach our age and the age of others often determines our physical, mental, and social health as well as how we treat others. Thanks to evolution, our bodies maintain a homeodynamic space that repairs our bodies until about the age of 45, at which point this space begins to shrink. Through his research, Rattan was inspired to create a formula for eternal life: perfect genes, a healthy environment, and good fortune. Unfortunately, these three ingredients are impossible to achieve, and Rattan urges us to accept our aging bodies and mortality with grace. After all, aging happens to all of us.

In Reflections, a series copublished with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, scholars deliver 60-page reflections on key concepts. These books present unique insights on a wide range of topics that entertain and enlighten readers with exciting discoveries and new perspectives.