Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Outlive: The Science of Art & Longevity (2023) written by American physician Peter Attia with journalist Bill Gifford, focuses on how humans can live longer and live longer for better. By drawing on a wide body of science, anecdotes, and personal stories, Attia communicates complex biological processes to a general audience. The crux of Attia’s argument is that we need to maximize both chronological lifespan (age) and healthspan (quality of life), which represent the two key components of longevity. Attia believes that modern medicine (Medicine 2.0) is ill-equipped to help us achieve our longevity objectives. Instead, he argues that people need to take control of all aspects of their health to craft a strategy that works for them based on science. He believes only a new way of thinking about medicine—Medicine 3.0—can help people do this.

Outlive was a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller. While it has generally received positive feedback, there has been some criticism that Attia puts anecdotal evidence above scientific findings, and that some of his tools (e.g., exercising for several hours each day and perspectives on diet) are out of reach for most people.