What Makes Olga Run? The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer, Happier Lives America

With a journalist's knack for writing compellingly pithy material, Grierson (U-Turn) examines human longevity with a fine-toothed comb. Using the titular nonagenarian track star Olga Kotleko as his muse and exemplar, Grierson reviews leading research and interviews experts and scientists galore. The result lends much credence to prevailing wisdom: exercising, good genes, and First World socioeconomics are the best predictors of healthy longevity. Chapters focus on different aspects of gerontology and use scientific screenings (genetics, brain EMIs, etc.) to identify success factors. Concluding that DNA is less a blueprint than a starting point, Grierson writes that "for the vast majority of us, roughly a quarter of healthy aging is about the protections you likely inherited and three quarters is how you play the cards you were dealt" (e.g., lifestyle). Sean Pratt's consistent, energetic narration is spot on.