"Why do humans age? Why do we live as long as we do? And why is being old in itself the greatest risk factor for the diseases of old age?

In Explaining Human Aging, physician and medical educator David O. Staats, M.D., offers a bold, thought-provoking exploration of one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring questions. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, scientific research, and insights from biogerontology, Dr. Staats presents a clear and accessible framework for understanding how human aging works at the level of the whole person—not just the cell. 

At the heart of the book is a compelling new model of the human life cycle, a dynamic first phase of growth and development, followed by a long, gradual phase of aging shaped by imperfect tissue maintenance, connective tissue changes, and the body’s declining ability to repair itself over time. 

Blending medicine, biology, anatomy, and real-world clinical observations, Explaining Human Aging examines the mechanism behind tissue atrophy, inflammation, and the changes of our appearance as we age. Complex scientific concepts are presented with clarity, making this book engaging for curious readers, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human lifespan and the aging process.

Insightful and deeply human, Explaining Human Aging challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to grow old."