The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer

The Telomere Effect is a fascinating blend of cutting-age science and lifestyle coach. The science deals with the amazing world of telomeres, tiny areas at the tips of our chromosomes that determine how fast our cells age and die. But telomeres aren't some kind of immutable pre-coded devices that, once activated, can't be altered to slow the aging process. We can improve and maintain the health of our telomeres, and maximize what the authors describe as our "healthspans," the number of years of healthy living we can enjoy. While we were each dealt a particular genetic hand at birth, there are still ways we can enhance and prolong our healthspans. Some we already know about, such as diet and exercise. And it's not too late to start. The book demonstrates how changes in eating and physical activity can slow down or even reverse the aging trajectory. The authors include lots of examples and tips to help make these changes. Of equal, if not more importance, is the psychological component--the management of stress. The authors make a compelling case that telomere health can be greatly affected by relaxation, meditation, and other stress reduction techniques, truly a mind over matter phenomenon. Written simply and eloquently in language that even a liberal art major can comprehend, this is the most "understandable" science book I've ever read. It's also very empowering, because we are convincingly shown how our active choices can promote a longer and healthier life, rather than passive acquiescence in the aging process.

Blackburn is the definition of an expert in the field and she wrote a book to match that expertise. The telomere effect is a great book, not overly scientific to the point it is excess or boring, but perfectly so to keep the reader engaged. She explains the science very well and highlights wonderful real-world examples and shows you what you can do to maximize your health and telomere length. Here are a few quick ones I would recommend from the book and my experience: 1) Get your vitamin D: 2000+ IU a day has been shown to increase telomere length by 20% 2) reduce stress and maximize eustress 3) get your exercise 4) healthy self talk: eliminate the negativity I have spent years researching aging and this book is a vital key in that puzzle. Absolutely would recommend it

The authors detailed a fairly comprehensive analysis of the telomeres that play so much into our health. Gut bacteria to length of telomeres, stresses in one's youth that can affect our longevity. A good read. Educational. Thought-provoking. The Kindle version that I had doesn't show charts and diagrams as well as in print was about my only quibble.

Fascinating, a wealth of scientific data, very well presented, meaningful to everyone. Anyone can relate to the underlying health issues and implement the many advises provided at the end of each chapter. Not too technical, just enough, statements supported by a comprehensive list of scientific research works and articles (for instance, why and how abdominal fat is worse than other types of fat, the importance to have a good supply of anti-oxidant foods to fight off free radicals, better have a couple of extra pounds but exercise regularly than diet and never exercise, fitness and exercise are two things different, etc.). This book is not about getting a longer lifespan but, more interestingly, about how to shorten, reduce the disease span at the end of your life and the quality of life in your last decades. Worth the time spent reading it. Many thanks to the authors.

The problem with this book is that it is written for the no man land, I.e., if you are looking for deep science behind this topic, then this isn’t the book. However, if you are looking for workable recommendations (e.g. recipes, exercises), then this isn’t the book for you. The book floats between these two objective ends.

This book opened up a whole new world of deeper understanding in me -- vital understanding to lead healthy lives -- at individual, community and social levels. That also makes it a highly spiritual book. Indispensable for those who are striving for happiness and trying hard to make the world a better place to live.

Ogni due/tre anni una pubblicazione di grande spessore aggiunge un tassello alla via (scientifica e non miracolistica) della salute. Gli autori sono scienziati di fama riconosciuta che aggiungono al loro campo specifico di conoscenze una visione ampia e interdisciplinare. Il libro della Blackburn si inserisce in questa strada verso il benessere. L'approccio derivante dalla scoperta della funzionalità dei telomeri conferma molti suggerimenti precedenti e ne fornisce una più precisa chiave di lettura. E le autrici sono ben consce dei debiti che largamente riconoscono. E ogni lettore attento si troverà di fronte ai grandi crediti che le autrici si guadagnano sul campo. Da leggere e testare!

Das Buch beschreibt wissenschaftlich und unterhaltsam über die Forschung der Autorinnen zu Telomeren. Diese lassen sich mit Schnürsenkelkappen vergleichen, deren unsachgerechte Handhabung zu einem vorschnellen Verschleiß unserer Zellen führt. Detailliert listen sie auf, welche Mittel dabei helfen, dem Alterungsprozess vorzubeugen: der Umgang mit Stress, Ernährung, Bewegung, wie sich gewohnte Verhaltensweisen ändern lassen, die Bedeutung sozialer Kontakte....und und und. Ein spannendes Buch, das den eigenen Lebensstil noch einmal überdenken lässt.

This is a wonderful book, a must to anyone wanting to know more about aging gracefully, and especially, healthy. This book provides clear information on how to prolong your "healthspan", as defined by the authors. The big difference between this work and the myriads of health-tips best-sellers is that every advice is backed up by scientific research, all the tips, ranging from food, exercise habits, mindfulness, etc. come from experimental results. And that is a big difference, at least for me. As Prof. Kandel put it out this is "one of the most exciting health books"

Dr, Blackburn has given us a whole other perspective from which to view health, behaviour and general wellbeing. This book is informative in relation to one's own health, to the health of one's society, and to the health, both physical and mental, which is transmuted to other generations.