Breaking the Age Code by Dr. Becca Levy

By Dr. Becca Levy

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4.5)

How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live

Unlock the science of positive aging and rewrite your personal health narrative.

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Why This Book?

Aging is simply a process that everyone will eventually go through, but understanding the process can either leave us to age with power or be unable to age at all. In her book ‘Breaking the Age Code’, Dr. Becca Levy discusses the correlation between our belief regarding aging, and the consequences attached to it, both mentally, and physically. The book explains how real belief in positive notions of aging, can drastically change ones life to be healthy, active and have a long life span.

The book is timely, as we are experiencing shifts in society where population aging is occurring at an alarming pace. People are living longer, but many are also encountering ageism and other related factors which affect their health and wellbeing. Dr Levy makes these narratives redundant by arguing that age should only be viewed as an opportunity for growth and gain in wisdom and resilience.

Ideal readers include:

Health and wellness enthusiasts curious about the science behind longevity.
Older adults looking to embrace aging positively.
Caregivers who want to support their loved ones in a healthier way.
Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators aiming to combat ageism.

One-sentence summary: Breaking the Age Code allows the reader to challenge stereotypes that are externally imposed on society, adapt to shifting society’s mindset, and use the full potential of aging to stay healthy and live longer.

About the Author

Dr. Becca Levy is an expert in the science of aging and currently serves as a professor of psychology and epidemiology at Yale University. With over two decades of groundbreaking research, she has unveiled how societal ageism and personal attitudes towards aging affect one’s health, memory, strength, and even their ability to recover from illness.

Dr. Levy wrote this book with the intent to bring her audience along her academic journey, making them feel at one with her. She aims to educate and motivate readers to discard the stereotypes inherent in the concept of aging and replace them with constructive and scientifically proven ideas instead.

Her research has been published in “The Lancet and the Journal of the American Medical Association”, among others. She has also worked with the World Health Organization in combating ageism at a global level.

Other notable works by Dr. Levy include numerous academic articles on ageism and its impact on health, as well as contributions to global aging policies.

Book Overview

Publication Details	Publication Year: 2022 Publisher: William Morrow
Format Availability	Format: Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook formats.

Publication Details

Publication Year: 2022
Publisher: William Morrow

Format Availability

Format: Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook formats.

Key Themes and Insights

The Science of Age Beliefs
Dr. Levy explains how our beliefs about aging are shaped by societal influences from a young age. Negative stereotypes—portraying aging as a period of inevitable decline—become internalized and act as self-fulfilling prophecies. On the other hand, adopting positive beliefs can improve mental clarity, physical health, and even longevity.
Impact of Ageism
The book delves into the societal and cultural norms that perpetuate ageism, exploring their hidden costs. Ageism not only diminishes self-worth but also leads to tangible health disparities, including increased stress, higher rates of cardiovascular disease, and even a reduced lifespan.
Empowering Change
Dr. Levy provides a roadmap for breaking free from ageist narratives. She shares transformative stories of individuals who embraced positive age beliefs and saw profound improvements in their lives.
The Link Between Mindset and Longevity
One of the book’s standout chapters discusses how a positive mindset can extend life expectancy by up to 7.5 years. This is supported by fascinating studies and real-life examples.

Practical Applications

Dr. Levy’s advice is actionable and grounded in everyday life. She offers tools and strategies to help readers transform their aging mindset, such as:

Daily Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts about aging with empowering statements like, "With age comes wisdom and resilience."
Physical and Mental Wellness Activities: Engage in activities that challenge the mind and body, such as learning a new skill, practicing yoga, or maintaining regular exercise.
Challenging Societal Norms: Speak up against ageist remarks and advocate for inclusion and respect in personal and professional spaces.
Intergenerational Connections: Build meaningful relationships across different age groups to foster understanding and break stereotypes.

For example, one chapter features a simple yet impactful exercise: writing a gratitude journal focused on the advantages of aging, such as increased patience, deeper relationships, or a stronger sense of purpose.

Strengths of the Book

Evidence-Based Insights: The book is backed by years of rigorous research and includes clear explanations of complex studies.
Relatable Stories: Real-life examples bring the science to life, making the content engaging and impactful.
Practical Guidance: Readers are empowered with concrete steps to change their perspectives and improve their lives.
Hopeful Tone: The book is uplifting and motivational, offering a refreshing take on aging as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

Critique and Limitations

While “Breaking the Age Code" is a groundbreaking work, some readers may find it challenging to digest the research-heavy sections without prior knowledge of psychology or epidemiology. Additionally, the book focuses primarily on individuals and does not delve as deeply into systemic solutions to combat ageism in institutions or policies.

What Made This Book Popular?

Sales Success: Within months of its release, Breaking the Age Code climbed bestseller lists in health and wellness categories.
Critical Acclaim: The book has been endorsed by leading experts in psychology, aging, and public health.
Reader Impact: On Amazon and Goodreads, thousands of readers praised the book for changing their perspectives on aging and improving their mental well-being.
Cultural Relevance: The book’s themes align with growing movements to address ageism and promote inclusivity for older adults in various aspects of society.

Comparison with Similar Books

Compared to “Being Mortal” by Dr. Atul Gawande, which emphasizes medical decisions and caregiving, “Breaking the Age Code” is more focused on psychological attitudes and personal empowerment. Similarly, it complements “The Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner, which discusses the physical aspects of longevity, by adding the psychological dimension of aging positively.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for:

Older adults seeking to embrace a positive outlook on aging.
Caregivers and family members supporting aging loved ones.
Health professionals and educators interested in combating ageism.
Younger audiences aim to foster healthier beliefs about aging early in life.

Memorable Quotes or Excerpts

“Our beliefs about aging are like self-fulfilling prophecies; when we change them, we change our lives.”
“Positive age beliefs are as important to your health as eating well and exercising regularly.”
“Ageism isn’t just a social issue; it’s a public health crisis.”
“The story we tell ourselves about aging becomes the reality we live.”

Conclusion

“Breaking the Age Code” by Dr. Becca Levy is a must-read for anyone eager to unlock the full potential of their later years. By combining cutting-edge science with practical advice, the book offers a refreshing perspective on aging, turning it into a journey of growth and empowerment.