"Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live" by Becca Levy, a prominent gerontological researcher from Yale with expertise in the psychological and social aspects of aging, explores in her book the profound impacts of our beliefs about aging on our health, longevity, and overall quality of life. Her work has been widely published and recognized, contributing to a deeper understanding of how societal and individual attitudes toward aging can shape aging. The book calls for dismantling ageist stereotypes and embracing the potential for growth and fulfillment at every stage of life. In this report, there will be a summary of Levy’s key points, a critical analysis of the book, and end with a personal reflection and application of information found in the book. Throughout this book, Dr. Levy discusses …show more content…
It must be said that the book is not a failsafe, there are strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Levy is highly qualified and supports her work with extensive empirical evidence. She draws from decades of her research, as well as studies from other experts in the field of gerontology. For instance, she presents data showing that individuals with positive beliefs about aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer than those with negative beliefs. With this said, the complexity and volume of scientific data might be overwhelming for general readers who are not familiar with research methodologies. Another strength of Levy is her ability to address potential biases in research on older adults, including societal ageism and stereotypes. She actively works to counter these by highlighting positive examples and role models of aging. While on the other side of the coin, there is limited exploration of counter-arguments or perspectives that might challenge her