Even if you think you’re up on end-of-life issues (ethics, logistics, medical questions), or even if you’re young-and-healthy and don’t think this matters to you ... there’s something in here for you to learn.

First, it’s Gawande. I always learn from Gawande and always enjoy myself in the process. I bet you do too.

Second, there is important new material here. On perspective, on the history and current best practices in assisted-living facilities, on geriatric research and the sad dearth thereof. Even if you or I don’t need this material right now, we can be better informed and speak to policymakers when opportunities arise.

Finally, there is a delicate personal component to this book, Gawande’s story and others’, which I found powerful and humbling. I think we WEIRDs could learn much from looking at aging instead of averting our eyes, and this book offers a gentle way to start doing so.