Books: The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a Doctor of Ageing

Pollock Lucy, 2025. The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a Doctor of Ageing. PB: Penguin, 978-1405953245. 352. 10.99. ![Graphic][1]</img> A 90-year-old woman presents with resistant hypertension, already suffering the side effects and interactions of her long list of prescribed medications. Another, following a fall while in residential care, presents with immobility, cardiovascular disease, severe heart failure, cognitive decline, and osteoarthritis. The acute medical admissions are overwhelmed by patients presenting with the dual problem of complexity and advanced age. Do we treat the patient or the condition? How do we decide what is right for the individual patient? Twenty per cent of global health care is of no benefit to the patient, with this figure rising as we age.1 The evidence base for this heterogenous group is non-existent, since the gold standard randomised controlled trial is unlikely to have included people with the interplay of such a plethora of problems. Familiar? Where do we go for guidance? I suggest we turn to the practical wisdom and experience, common sense, and deep understanding of the patient’s perspective that Lucy Pollock so skilfully explores in her latest book. ‘Plan A stay young forever, and Plan B read this book’ is boldly stated on the back cover. Given Plan A is a no go, implement Plan B, as this book comprehensively covers the need to think systemically about ageing. In it, Dr Lucy, as she is affectionately known, brings together her personal reflections, her extensive clinical experience, … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif