Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What aspects of Attia’s critique of “Medicine 2.0” resonated most strongly with you, and which of his proposed solutions seem most feasible to implement in your own life?

2. Attia’s book presents a strong case for being proactive rather than reactive about health. Did this framework change your thinking about your relationship with the healthcare system?

3. In what ways does Attia’s tactical approach to longevity differ from similar works like David Sinclair’s Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To or Michael Greger and Gene Stone’s How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. What physical activities would you include in your personal Centenarian Decathlon?

2. Which of the five tactical domains (exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional health, exogenous molecules) do you struggle with most, and why?

3. How would you rate your own emotional health compared to your physical health?

4. Can you recall a time when you became disillusioned with conventional wisdom about health, similar to Attia’s experience at Johns Hopkins?

5. Which elements of your current lifestyle might be contributing to either “Marginal Decades” or “Bonus Decades” in your future?

6. Attia emphasizes that there is no single diet that works for everyone. What nutritional approaches have worked best for your body based on your personal experience?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. In what specific ways do you see Attia’s theory of an “evolutionary mismatch” between our genes and our modern environment manifesting in society today?

2. What structural, economic, or cultural barriers might prevent Attia’s Medicine 3.0 approach from becoming mainstream in our current healthcare system?

3. Given that almost half the US population has prediabetes or diabetes, what societal factors contribute to this epidemic beyond individual choices? Does Attia adequately address these societal factors?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How effective was Attia’s use of personal anecdotes and patient stories in communicating complex scientific concepts?

2. In what ways does the “objective, strategy, tactics” framework help organize both the book and readers’ thinking about longevity?

3. What purpose does the recurring dream about catching falling eggs serve as a metaphor for Attia’s critique of modern medicine?

4. The book is titled Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Where in the text do you see the balance between scientific evidence and the “art” of application?

5. How does the “Four Horsemen” framing device help readers understand the interconnected nature of chronic diseases?

6. In what specific ways does Attia’s distinction between healthspan and lifespan challenge conventional thinking about aging?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were designing a “Medicine 3.0” clinic based on Attia’s principles, what unique features would you include to differentiate it from traditional medical practices?

2. What single question would you ask Peter Attia if you could interview him about this book?

3. Which lessons from Attia’s book would you include in a letter to your future self 20 years from now?

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