This eight-decade longitudinal study thoroughly tested hypothesis and preconceived notion that we have about how to achieve a long life, e.g. e.g. 'is it true that an extrovert carefree person lives a longer life than the introvert and conscientious one?', 'is it true that staying single reduces our chance to live a longer life?', 'is it true that the way to achieve longer life is to avoid stress?'.

Our society is used to frame longevity issue in a symptom-tackling manner but this study dug deeper in answering why and exploring the dynamic interplay between many factors, e.g. personality, social environment, family condition, married/single, gender, etc (as the study followed the respondents' lives since their childhood until they died).

Indeed the result of this study challenged our perception and belief about longevity.

I personally think that there are a few 'why's that are yet to be answered (perhaps due to the limitation of the study) but I believe it is a good starting point for us and our society in framing our strategy and policy to promote health.

Note: this book provides some self-assessment tool to help us map where we are and what we should do to improve our health.