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The Ageless Generation: How Advances in Biomedicine Will Transform the Global Economy
Over the past 20 years, the biomedical research community has been delivering hundreds of breakthroughs expected to extend human lifespan beyond thresholds imaginable today. However, much of this research has not yet been adopted into clinical practice, nor has it been widely publicized. Biomedicine will transform our society forever by allowing people to live longer and to continue working and contributing financially to the economy longer, rather than entering into retirement and draining the economy through pensions and senior healthcare. Old age will become a concept of the past, breakthroughs in regenerative medicine will continue, and an unprecedented boom to the global economy, with an influx of older able-bodied workers and consumers, will be a reality. A leading expert in aging research, author Alex Zhavoronkov provides a helicopter view on the progress science has already made, from repairing tissue damage to growing functional organs from a single cell, and illuminates the possibilities that the scientific and medical community will soon make into realities. The Ageless Generation is an engaging work that causes us to rethink our ideas of age and ability in the modern world.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2013
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196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 19, 2013
This was really an enjoyable and informative read. Alex Zhavoronkov is highly eloquent in describing his ideas on aging and biomedicine. The organization of the book is great too. He makes it easy to get the full picture of how aging is going to change in the future. I look forward to sharing this book with others.
July 30, 2013
Every economist, pension fund manager, banker and policy maker should read this book. The population of the developed countries is living significantly longer after retirement and dragging the economies down. We don't feel it yet, but very soon drastic steps will be necessary to avoid a catastrophe. This book shows how to cure poison with poison. Instead of advocating for dramatic austerity measures, it proposes another radical alternative – extending healthy productive lifespan to keep the retiring population in the labor force. The book is full of interesting facts and is fun to read.
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June 10, 2013Featured on Skeptically Speaking show #216 on June 7, 2013, during an interview with author Alex Zhavoronkov. http://skepticallyspeaking.ca/episode...
November 10, 2013
It's a classic "good news, bad news" story. Around the world people are living longer (the good news), but the cost of providing services to older people is putting an increasing burden on governments and taxpayers that is likely to become unsustainable (the bad news). Thus far, at least in the United States, the emphasis has been on 1.) quibbling about exactly when the Social Security and Medicare trust funds will run out of money and 2.) devising ways to fund the deficits. Biogerontologist Alex Zhavoronko has a different proposal: put more money into research to slow down aging and reverse age-related diseases so that people will be able to stay employed longer and require fewer resources when and if they retire. It's a win-win for both seniors and taxpayers.
One of the interesting aspects of this book is its international perspective. The first part provides data on demographic trends, not just in the United States and the European Union, but also in Russia, China, and Japan. For example, birthrates are down throughout most of the developed world, but they range from 2.1 children in the United States to 1.6 in China and 1.3 in Japan! By 2050 the projection is that the ratio of workers to seniors in Japan will be about one to one.
This is a book on policy, not strictly speaking a science book, but in the middle section Zhavoronko provides a good basis for his message with extensive discussion of how we age and the resulting age-related diseases and disabilities. He describes some of the recent advances in biogerontology and regenerative medicine and indicates some areas for research that look promising.
Finally, he tackles what might be the most difficult aspect of all, culture. Zhavoronko reminds us that the concept of retirement is a relatively recent one, but it has become so ingrained in our thinking that people consider it an entitlement, and , given current policies, many are expecting a retirement of perhaps twenty years or more. Demographic trends pretty conclusively lead one to conclude that governments cannot continue to fund such long spans of non-productive living. Society is going to have to demand that people work longer. However, as the book says, "Seniors aren't just getting older, they are getting old". If research can help people move better, think better, and not require so much medical intervention, it should not be so difficult to make them willing or even eager to work longer. It's worth a try!
One of the interesting aspects of this book is its international perspective. The first part provides data on demographic trends, not just in the United States and the European Union, but also in Russia, China, and Japan. For example, birthrates are down throughout most of the developed world, but they range from 2.1 children in the United States to 1.6 in China and 1.3 in Japan! By 2050 the projection is that the ratio of workers to seniors in Japan will be about one to one.
This is a book on policy, not strictly speaking a science book, but in the middle section Zhavoronko provides a good basis for his message with extensive discussion of how we age and the resulting age-related diseases and disabilities. He describes some of the recent advances in biogerontology and regenerative medicine and indicates some areas for research that look promising.
Finally, he tackles what might be the most difficult aspect of all, culture. Zhavoronko reminds us that the concept of retirement is a relatively recent one, but it has become so ingrained in our thinking that people consider it an entitlement, and , given current policies, many are expecting a retirement of perhaps twenty years or more. Demographic trends pretty conclusively lead one to conclude that governments cannot continue to fund such long spans of non-productive living. Society is going to have to demand that people work longer. However, as the book says, "Seniors aren't just getting older, they are getting old". If research can help people move better, think better, and not require so much medical intervention, it should not be so difficult to make them willing or even eager to work longer. It's worth a try!
August 30, 2014
We have often heard prophesies of medical advances that will extend life and health. “The Ageless Generation” explains how the fields of research will bring those prophesies to reality. Author Alex Zhavoronkov focuses on the fields that present the greatest promise of advancing human health, most prominently that of regenerative medicine that seeks the regrowth of tissue that can replace diseased or damaged organs.
Dr. Zhavoronkov introduces the reader to the incentives driving medical research and treatment today and suggests how they can be redirected to yield greater benefits. He advocates a shift from obsession with treatment of symptoms to prevention of disease, a rethinking of end of life treatment and the need to make changes that will improve public health, most prominently the decrease of obesity.
This book is not just about science and healthy living. Dr. Zhavoronkov addresses the economic tsunami approaching as Social Security and Medicare, that were based on a life expectancy extending only a few years after age 65, collide with hordes of baby-boomers living into their 80s, 90s and beyond. Zhavoronkov points out that the expectation of a retirement of leisure, travel and the good life is a relatively recent development that is unsustainable in the future.
This book is not just gloom and doom. It offers constructive solutions. Besides diminished expectations it recommends advances that extend not only life but health. Healthy people will be able and will want to work longer, thereby reducing pension and medical expenses and increasing tax payments to fund welfare schemes.
“The Ageless Generation” presents scientific and economic information in language that is understandable and easy to follow. I expect that some of its predictions will come true sooner than we expect and others will end up in the pile of unfulfilled fantasies. The reader’s eyes are opened to a new world different from any we have known and are minds are drawn to want to be a part of it.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
Dr. Zhavoronkov introduces the reader to the incentives driving medical research and treatment today and suggests how they can be redirected to yield greater benefits. He advocates a shift from obsession with treatment of symptoms to prevention of disease, a rethinking of end of life treatment and the need to make changes that will improve public health, most prominently the decrease of obesity.
This book is not just about science and healthy living. Dr. Zhavoronkov addresses the economic tsunami approaching as Social Security and Medicare, that were based on a life expectancy extending only a few years after age 65, collide with hordes of baby-boomers living into their 80s, 90s and beyond. Zhavoronkov points out that the expectation of a retirement of leisure, travel and the good life is a relatively recent development that is unsustainable in the future.
This book is not just gloom and doom. It offers constructive solutions. Besides diminished expectations it recommends advances that extend not only life but health. Healthy people will be able and will want to work longer, thereby reducing pension and medical expenses and increasing tax payments to fund welfare schemes.
“The Ageless Generation” presents scientific and economic information in language that is understandable and easy to follow. I expect that some of its predictions will come true sooner than we expect and others will end up in the pile of unfulfilled fantasies. The reader’s eyes are opened to a new world different from any we have known and are minds are drawn to want to be a part of it.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
June 11, 2025
A fine blend of economics and longevity—very easy to read. The book focuses on the economic and social aspects of aging, with a touch of biology to explain the process. At its core, however, it is essentially a social sciences book.
Alex is one of my favorite biotech founders and his background in both business and science is perfect for the way he approached the issue of aging here.
This book is from 2013, but recently (2025) his company, Insilico Medicine, just became a unicorn. They were pioneers in drug discovery through AI and Alex is a very knowledgeable human.
Alex is one of my favorite biotech founders and his background in both business and science is perfect for the way he approached the issue of aging here.
This book is from 2013, but recently (2025) his company, Insilico Medicine, just became a unicorn. They were pioneers in drug discovery through AI and Alex is a very knowledgeable human.
March 11, 2019
The author has an annoying writing style.
November 19, 2013
THE AGELESS GENERATION- How Advances in Biomedicine Will Transform the Global Economy by Alex Zhavoronkov. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, palgrave.com. 2013. 233+xiii pages. Hardcover ISBN 978-0-230-34220-0 charts, notes, index.
Zhavoronkov brings together the topical interests of aging, economics, and biomedicine including to some extent neuroscience to offer a way out of the dilemma of a growing aged population at a time of economic straits exacerbated by medical costs relating to the numbers of older persons. The author's solution is healthier older persons thus markedly reducing medical costs while at the same time enabling them to work, which would help them to keep better health by being physically, mentally, and socially active and also contribute to the economy. Few would argue that Zhavoronkov's solution is not the best answer to the dilemma. The economic part of his perspective and thus his solution seems a little weak in this time of recession with relatively high, chronic unemployment when many younger persons no matter what state of their health are having a rough time finding good jobs.
Despite coming up somewhat short on dealing with the economic complexities, the author's attention to the central importance and undeniably beneficial effects for both individuals in terms of living and also economics by significantly lowering medical spending is invaluable. This is one of those books that clarifies largely unformed, yet pressing concerns and ideas gestating in diverse areas of the culture. It offers relevant, common sense ideas for public policy. In the same framework of discussion, the book also relates information for general readers in the area of the biology and physiology of aging, much of which they can see applies to their own lives. For example, in writing how the brain deteriorates as one ages, the book implies practices that help to forestall these. For the general reader outside of the audience of politicians, policymakers, public-health officials, etc., the book is to some degree a self-help.
In keeping with the popular style surveying a field of topical interest while analyzing parts of the field, the book contains some information and topics new to most readers. "Autophagy" is probably one of these for most. This "alternative...anti-aging approach...breaks down old, aged cells and uses the raw material to grow healthy, youthful cells." Following brief discussion of the possibilities of this line of exploration for combatting aging and treating health issues, the author takes up new developments in Chinese medicine. Though such topics are little more than introduced since they are in the early stages of development, they indicate the diversity and breadth of the field of anti-aging ideas, experiments, and avenues. Regarding the topics of medical research and "retirement culture," the author relates a perspective and offers arguments for relevant action in addressing these pressing social situations.
Though not all will agree with all of Zhavoronkov's proposals or his somewhat utopian hopes regarding aging, the timely, multifaceted work from this author exceptionally knowledgeable about the field and active in it gives a welcome state-of-the-art, comprehensive picture of it.
Zhavoronkov brings together the topical interests of aging, economics, and biomedicine including to some extent neuroscience to offer a way out of the dilemma of a growing aged population at a time of economic straits exacerbated by medical costs relating to the numbers of older persons. The author's solution is healthier older persons thus markedly reducing medical costs while at the same time enabling them to work, which would help them to keep better health by being physically, mentally, and socially active and also contribute to the economy. Few would argue that Zhavoronkov's solution is not the best answer to the dilemma. The economic part of his perspective and thus his solution seems a little weak in this time of recession with relatively high, chronic unemployment when many younger persons no matter what state of their health are having a rough time finding good jobs.
Despite coming up somewhat short on dealing with the economic complexities, the author's attention to the central importance and undeniably beneficial effects for both individuals in terms of living and also economics by significantly lowering medical spending is invaluable. This is one of those books that clarifies largely unformed, yet pressing concerns and ideas gestating in diverse areas of the culture. It offers relevant, common sense ideas for public policy. In the same framework of discussion, the book also relates information for general readers in the area of the biology and physiology of aging, much of which they can see applies to their own lives. For example, in writing how the brain deteriorates as one ages, the book implies practices that help to forestall these. For the general reader outside of the audience of politicians, policymakers, public-health officials, etc., the book is to some degree a self-help.
In keeping with the popular style surveying a field of topical interest while analyzing parts of the field, the book contains some information and topics new to most readers. "Autophagy" is probably one of these for most. This "alternative...anti-aging approach...breaks down old, aged cells and uses the raw material to grow healthy, youthful cells." Following brief discussion of the possibilities of this line of exploration for combatting aging and treating health issues, the author takes up new developments in Chinese medicine. Though such topics are little more than introduced since they are in the early stages of development, they indicate the diversity and breadth of the field of anti-aging ideas, experiments, and avenues. Regarding the topics of medical research and "retirement culture," the author relates a perspective and offers arguments for relevant action in addressing these pressing social situations.
Though not all will agree with all of Zhavoronkov's proposals or his somewhat utopian hopes regarding aging, the timely, multifaceted work from this author exceptionally knowledgeable about the field and active in it gives a welcome state-of-the-art, comprehensive picture of it.
November 20, 2013
‘The greatest socio-political/scientific challenge of our time’
A book such as this is bound to polarize readers depending on what each is expecting to find. Is it threatening to think of the future of a nation or world of elderly people who must be supported by younger tax payers who are gradually diminishing in number? Is retirement and the concept of the Golden Years something to consider as deleterious to our welfare? Is this writer saying that the miracle of Ponce de Leon is within reach? All of those questions and more may arise - unless the reader reads the thoughts of Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, the director and a trustee of the Biogerontology Research Foundation, a UK-based think tank supporting aging research worldwide, as simply placed before us for consideration.
This book should indeed be included in the list of resources that we should all pay attention to no matter the age group into which we fall. We all realize that Social Security and Medicare are threatened and that the life expectancy is advancing in years, so there will be a point at which the balance weighs heavily on how to pay for the post 65 year olds. That is merely a starting point, an attraction grabbing fear we should all be facing. But that is not where Dr. Zhavoronkov leaves us – it is where he begins.
The bulk of this book is to make available to the public the advances that are indeed happening at this very moment – stem cell research, DNA manipulation, genome alteration, organ creation form one cell, and investigation – and his premise is that with such advances at present, it is likely that diseases that paralyze the elderly now (Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cardiac dysfunction etc) may indeed by reversible or preventable with the new advances in science. If this is the case then aging will not advance as early as it does at present and that in turn means that there is a strong possibility that instead of retirement at age 65 that age may be pushed comfortably 10, 20, 30 years forward, meaning that the work force that builds Social Security and Medicare will be contributing more dollars to the dwindling pot instead of using them up.
If we are able to create or replace altered organs by reproducing them with a single cell as is happening in laboratories today, then it would seem that Dr. Zhavoronkov’s outlook is anything but grim – quite the opposite. But for some reason concepts such as those he discusses with candor are usually met with brow-wrinkling doubt. Take a deep breath, read this book several times, and it is likely that eventually the response to it will be extremely positive. It is a new way of thinking and it is a breath of fresh air in these starkly dark and troubled times.
Grady Harp
A book such as this is bound to polarize readers depending on what each is expecting to find. Is it threatening to think of the future of a nation or world of elderly people who must be supported by younger tax payers who are gradually diminishing in number? Is retirement and the concept of the Golden Years something to consider as deleterious to our welfare? Is this writer saying that the miracle of Ponce de Leon is within reach? All of those questions and more may arise - unless the reader reads the thoughts of Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, the director and a trustee of the Biogerontology Research Foundation, a UK-based think tank supporting aging research worldwide, as simply placed before us for consideration.
This book should indeed be included in the list of resources that we should all pay attention to no matter the age group into which we fall. We all realize that Social Security and Medicare are threatened and that the life expectancy is advancing in years, so there will be a point at which the balance weighs heavily on how to pay for the post 65 year olds. That is merely a starting point, an attraction grabbing fear we should all be facing. But that is not where Dr. Zhavoronkov leaves us – it is where he begins.
The bulk of this book is to make available to the public the advances that are indeed happening at this very moment – stem cell research, DNA manipulation, genome alteration, organ creation form one cell, and investigation – and his premise is that with such advances at present, it is likely that diseases that paralyze the elderly now (Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cardiac dysfunction etc) may indeed by reversible or preventable with the new advances in science. If this is the case then aging will not advance as early as it does at present and that in turn means that there is a strong possibility that instead of retirement at age 65 that age may be pushed comfortably 10, 20, 30 years forward, meaning that the work force that builds Social Security and Medicare will be contributing more dollars to the dwindling pot instead of using them up.
If we are able to create or replace altered organs by reproducing them with a single cell as is happening in laboratories today, then it would seem that Dr. Zhavoronkov’s outlook is anything but grim – quite the opposite. But for some reason concepts such as those he discusses with candor are usually met with brow-wrinkling doubt. Take a deep breath, read this book several times, and it is likely that eventually the response to it will be extremely positive. It is a new way of thinking and it is a breath of fresh air in these starkly dark and troubled times.
Grady Harp
April 7, 2018
An interesting book. l share with you a portion of the book.
Dr Zhavoronkov Top 10 tips for living to 150
"Thousands of years of human history show that neither diet, exercise or herbs will significantly extend human lifespan. But here are a few rules that I set for myself to stay young until life extension technologies mature and reach the clinic:
Avoid psychological aging: Set your expected longevity horizon to theoretically achievable, yet challenging target. I aim for 170 at the moment.
Make more time for yourself and your research: Postpone reproduction to avoid any responsibilities that come with child birth. Prioritize health and knowledge assets over material assets. Constantly invest in your education and in education of everyone around you.
Maintain youthful social network:Socialize with the young people and preferably young scientists and medical doctors. College professors live longer and remain intellectually agile much longer than the rest of the population.
Engage in ageing research: Support and actively engage in research in aging and longevity. Only first hand intimate knowledge of the field will provide confidence for trying prescription drugs to slow down ageing or prevent age-related pathologies. Some of these drugs are already available.
Maintain a healthy body: Get 7 hours of sleep (unfortunately I can not afford this luxury), practice intermittent caloric restriction, do yoga and periodically exercise with weights. Maintain your body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25. Avoid inflammation and avoid getting sick.
Know your predispositions: Perform basic genetic testing to understand predisposition and the likely effects of the various drugs.
Monitor your health: Regularly monitor your blood biochemistry, cell counts, heart rate, activity, and other performance metrics.
Start taking geroprotectors: Start a personalized geroprotector drug regimen after getting to know the field and yourself.
Store your biospecimens: Store your blood and tissue specimens in a biobank for future research.
Make your life interesting to want to crave longevity: Find a research interest that drives you. Read science fiction and try open world video games. Life should never be boring.
Dr Zhavoronkov Top 10 tips for living to 150
"Thousands of years of human history show that neither diet, exercise or herbs will significantly extend human lifespan. But here are a few rules that I set for myself to stay young until life extension technologies mature and reach the clinic:
Avoid psychological aging: Set your expected longevity horizon to theoretically achievable, yet challenging target. I aim for 170 at the moment.
Make more time for yourself and your research: Postpone reproduction to avoid any responsibilities that come with child birth. Prioritize health and knowledge assets over material assets. Constantly invest in your education and in education of everyone around you.
Maintain youthful social network:Socialize with the young people and preferably young scientists and medical doctors. College professors live longer and remain intellectually agile much longer than the rest of the population.
Engage in ageing research: Support and actively engage in research in aging and longevity. Only first hand intimate knowledge of the field will provide confidence for trying prescription drugs to slow down ageing or prevent age-related pathologies. Some of these drugs are already available.
Maintain a healthy body: Get 7 hours of sleep (unfortunately I can not afford this luxury), practice intermittent caloric restriction, do yoga and periodically exercise with weights. Maintain your body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25. Avoid inflammation and avoid getting sick.
Know your predispositions: Perform basic genetic testing to understand predisposition and the likely effects of the various drugs.
Monitor your health: Regularly monitor your blood biochemistry, cell counts, heart rate, activity, and other performance metrics.
Start taking geroprotectors: Start a personalized geroprotector drug regimen after getting to know the field and yourself.
Store your biospecimens: Store your blood and tissue specimens in a biobank for future research.
Make your life interesting to want to crave longevity: Find a research interest that drives you. Read science fiction and try open world video games. Life should never be boring.
September 29, 2013
I've read a few books about the possibilities of expanding the human lifespan, but most give you the science portion of how we might do it and what current discoveries contribute to this end goal. Alex Zhavoronkov's book is the first to talk passionately about why it is important to bring about breakthroughs that prolong human life.
His basic argument throughout the book is that expanding healthy human lifespan can help us overcome the current economic issues we have in our health care and retirement benefits. Current medical practices have already impacted peoples lives such that the average lifespan has already been extended, but in doing so it has only prolonged life, not solved some of the medical issues that arise with older age. This leaves us in the current situation where we are having trouble covering the expenses found in combating the age related illnesses. Alex is saying we need to fund the research to make breakthroughs the don't just extend our lives, but that extend them such that we are healthier and more productive in our old age.
Along the way the book covers everything from where the current research and science is now, to how we will need to extend retirement age (a key point for solving the retirement benefits issues), to how current practices in the drug industry only seek to solve the symptoms of diseases, not find cures. I was particularly fond of how he points out several times that retirement is actually a new phenomena. He also shows how the United States actually ranks very low on the average human lifespan (so much for our oh-so-top-notch medical capabilities) and shows how we have cut our budgets for this kind of research while China has expanded theirs. In fact, a lot of advances seems to come out of Chinese research, something our current politicians in the United States should take note of.
This is a great book and if you have an opportunity to read it you should. It's not a very long read and I'm sure other books cover portions of the topic in more detail, but I felt this gave a good overview to our current state of affairs in health and medicine and shows how we could do much better.
November 29, 2015
How would the world be if we lived forever? How the global economy would evolve?Is aging in fact a disease that could be curable? All these mind-blowing questions are brilliantly answered by Mr.Zhavoronkov in his book "The Ageless Generation: How Advances in Biomedicine Will Transform the Global Economy".i found this book to be a real eye-opener for everyone who is interested in the subject of longevity. This is an essential read that i will recommend to my friends and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Enjoy the read!
October 13, 2016
Too much about economy and economically-based ideology. The books looks like a ideological manifest of some kind. I was expecting something much more bio-medical and scientific. Also, I've had a feeling that more than one person wrote the book. There were strange repetitions, sometimes the same thing was mentioned but with slightly different (but important) details. In the end, I wouldn't recommend the book.
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January 17, 2016Fascinating perspectives on the pharmaceutical industry, the structure of social security, and the purpose of retirement.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews