You're looking very well: The surprising nature of getting old

Lewis Wolpert, acclaimed scientist and broadcaster, investigates a topic close to all our hearts - why must we age and how should we cope with our physical decline?

We now live longer today than at any time in history. In the UK, there are more people aged over 65 than under 16 and by 2050, over a third of the developed world will be over 60. How should we deal with this phenomenon? What are the scientific reasons for ageing? And can - or should - we prevent it?

Lewis Wolpert, distinguished biologist and octogenarian, explores the scientific background and the implications of our ageing population. In this engaging investigation, he tackles every aspect of the subject from ageism to euthanasia to anti-ageing cream and, through it all, tries to better understand his own ageing. Witty, frank and often inspiring, Lewis Wolpert is the perfect guide to ‘looking very well’.

Lewis Wolpert's new book on ageing is called You're Looking Very Well: The Surprising Nature of Getting Old.

Wolpert originally took a degree in civil engineering and carried out research in soil mechanics, and then changed to cell biology at King’s College, London. He has worked on the mechanics of cytokinesis, morphogenesis of the sea urchin embryo, regeneration in hydra, left right asymmetry, and has focused on pattern formation in limb development. He has also been involved in interacting with the public in relation to science.

In addition to his scientific and research publications, he has written about his own experience of clinical depression in Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression (1999). He presented three television programmes based on the book and entitled A Living Hell on BBC2.

Admission: by free ticket only, available from yorkfestivalofideas.com/tickets