A review by archytas
Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality by Venki Ramakrishnan

informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

This is clearly written, highly accessible survey of the science around ageing. This ranges from the mechanics of cells function through to topics such as dementia and the collapse of homostasis. He also looks at length at research around how to "combat" ageing from caloric restriction to cryogenics. The book is technical without being difficult, but also sticks to a pretty high level in most cases. It comes alive through Ramakrishnan's clear passion for his discipline and desire to communicate more clearly about what ageing actually entails. He is far from edgy in his interpretations - there is some basic selfish gene stuff I thought was overly simplified - but his analysis avoids easy answers on the social impacts, if not always the science.
He is carefully neutra, but you do get a feel that he is not a huge fan of delayed ageing, at least without having solved the myriad of social problems supporting an infirm population brings with it, and the problems of infirmity itself. Or maybe that was just me reading my own doubts on this.