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  • Spring Chicken

  • Stay Young Forever (or Die Trying)
  • Written by: Bill Gifford
  • Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
  • Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
  • 3.2 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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Spring Chicken

Written by: Bill Gifford
Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
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Publisher's Summary

From acclaimed journalist Bill Gifford comes a roaring journey into the world of anti-aging science - a place filled with extraordinary breakthroughs and dangerous deceptions.

Spring Chicken: Stay Young Forever (Or Die Trying)

Spring Chicken is a full-throttle, high-energy ride through the latest research, popular mythology, and ancient wisdom on aging and lifespan - from wrinkles and baldness down to the innermost workings of cells - that examines how human beings might be able to live longer, healthier lives. In his funny, self-deprecating voice, veteran reporter Bill Gifford takes readers into cutting-edge labs where scientists are working to achieve miraculous breakthroughs, like purging "senescent" cells from mice to reverse the effects of aging. He'll reveal what has happened with resveratrol, the "red wine pill" that made headlines a few years ago, how your fat tissue is trying to kill you, and how in the near future doctors will be able to prescribe life-extending medications uniquely tailored for each individual.

Gifford separates the wheat from the chaff as he exposes hoaxes and scams foisted upon an aging society and arms readers with the best possible advice on what to do, what not to do, and what life-changing treatments may be right around the corner. A mixture of deep reporting, fascinating science, and prescriptive takeaway, this is a brilliant examination of a universal obsession: What can be done about getting old?

©2015 Bill Gifford (P)2015 Hachette Audio

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Brilliancy narration

Throughly enjoyed this book, even with it being years since publication. The fact it was written by a journalist over a scientist/MD made it one of the most enjoyable listening experiences.
Great job and I hope there is an updated version since some of the data has changed since the writing.
Enjoy

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Great listen on the topic of aging

Excellent tongue in cheek overview of the aging dilemma.
Gifford provides a wonderfully balanced explanation and thoughtful well researched review of the science of aging. Good for all adults of varying maturity!

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Not Great

I'm not sure if it's the voice or the text or both, but this is not a very exciting book. There is some interesting science, but not much you can add directly to your routine. A lot of personal anecdotes, and the author laments his own aging a good bit. Some of the text would make a good reflective blog post, but doesn’t really add much to the content of the book.

The book is also from 2015, and sadly, that makes some of the science outdated. For instance, the author refers to the fact that we can't regrow neurons, but there has been evidence to suggest that we can. I'm also not 100% on the alcohol-related science. The author seems to believe that wine and beer extend the lifespan. (He doesn't do much to caution the reader re:alcohol consumption at all!) I'm not sure the science is clear-cut on this.

(I also found it a bit weird that the author talked about how sewing two halves of different rats together is "no big deal." That's a very subjective opinion, and I think the rats might disagree!)

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  • David S.
  • 2015-06-16

No Fountain of Young here

No great insights really. not that i was expecting a miracle, but the basic conclusions seemed to be:
1. we really don't know a lot about aging (yet?)
2. regular exercise is important
3. calorie restriction/ periodic short term fasting can be beneficial

seems like a LONG listen for that output. Sure he debunked a few myths/fads (HGH, cenegenics) but no great thoughts

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  • dana
  • 2019-12-07

TERRIBLE BOOK! DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!

I HAVE MORE THAN 500 BOOKS FROM AUDIBE IN MY LIBRARY AND TIS ONE IS THE WORST. THERE IS NO USEFUL INFORMATION ON THIS BOOK THAT YOU CANNOT FIND ON THE NET IN 30 MINUTES. IT IS ALL NONSENSE STORIES WHICH ONLY WASTES YOUR TIME. FORGET ABOUT THIS BOOK ANS SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY

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  • Lesa Shaul
  • 2015-04-03

Funny, fascinating, and engaging

Like Mary Roach's books, Bill Gifford's _Spring Chicken_ is a wonderful amalgam of amazing scientific findings, deep philosophical questions, and delightfully self-deprecating humor. He deftly balances empirical objectivity and personal subjectivity--Gifford is Everyman on a quest to find out how to stay healthy longer (he emphasizes not miserable Tithonian longevity but active, healthy "old age"). Part memoir, part scientific inquiry, part self-help book, _Spring Chicken_ also addresses the troubling consequences of a planet full of centenarian consumers. Favorite line: "The people who want to live forever are the same peo

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  • MARIAH
  • 2015-05-05

Simply amazing

It's such an enjoyable read. Being able to Write science in an anecdotal yet credible form should be recognized as an art and a powerful skill that Bill masters without a doubt.
He did a great deal of research. Most of these scientists that he mentioned I've looked up to for years because aging biology is a passion of mine but Bill give a totally original perspective on the work of these scientists and compiles everything beautifully in this book. Amazing work!!

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  • Mikey Fazed
  • 2015-03-17

Informative, not too science heavy

This book goes into a ton of science but you don't have to be a scientist to appreciate it, it's explained for the layperson. That said, it seems like diet, exercise, not smoking, and sleep are the only things we have going. The book is funny and informative but there's no magic pill against aging if you're looking for one.

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  • Ernest A. Martinez
  • 2018-04-15

enjoyed the book. lots if good anecdotes

the book looks in to why life expectancy is decreasing in the United States and other places.

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  • pjean
  • 2023-09-10

Very entertaining and informative

I listen to this book in 2023, and although it is a bit dated, it was still worthwhile. The book is entertaining and well written.

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  • Matt Hobson-Rohrer
  • 2023-06-29

Well researched and written - lots to think about

The author personalizes a lot of information to help one live a long and healthier life. Sorting through the trends and fads can be a challenge. The author applies critical thinking to many aspects of aging. My biggest takeaway: change my “I will sleep when I am dead” attitude. Paying much more attention to my sleep these days. Thank you!

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2023-03-16

Spring Chicken is a great book!

Great resource for those studying anti-aging- but also entertaining and a great listen. I’ve recommended to family and friends!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2018-10-15

Excellent book and performance. Great info.

I really enjoyed this book. I heard an interview with the author a few years ago, and was intrigued. The book was definitely worth reading, with lots of excellent and interesting information.

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