Aging without sickness and other claims from the "longevity movement"
| | | | Howdy, folks! Imagine if you could live into your 80s, 90s, and beyond without chronic disease or other health concerns. Many in the "longevity movement" believe that reality is on the horizon. | | Today, we take a closer look at this futuristic area of research and give tips for how to lead a longer, healthier life. We'll also be talking about: | | | | | | • | your chance to share what gives you purpose in life | | Stay sharp,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
April 19, 2023 • 5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | What if you could stay healthy into your 100s? | | tl;dr: | - The "longevity movement" aims to develop therapies to help humans live longer, healthier lives.
- Most experts agree that longevity therapies won't be available to the public anytime soon.
- Check out our article to learn more about habits for a long, healthy life.
| OK, give me the elevator pitch.
The "longevity movement" is a social and scientific push to develop therapies that can delay aging and extend healthy human life spans. Some promising avenues of research into longevity include gene editing and the study of senescence.
While longevity research has been chugging along for the last decade or so, there's been a flare-up of interest after it was reported last month that OpenAI founder Sam Altman invested $180 million in a startup working to extend human life spans.
So how soon until these longevity therapies are available to the public?
No one can say for sure. While the field is quickly evolving, longevity therapies are in the early stages of development. "While there is optimism about the potential for extending human lifespan, it is difficult to predict with certainty when such therapies will be available to the public," says Lalitha McSorley of Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary. "The timeline for the availability of effective longevity therapies may depend on the outcomes of ongoing research, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and other factors."
Is there anything I can do in the meantime to stay healthy as I age?
You bet! Research shows that the length of your life is only about 25% genetic. This means that environmental and lifestyle habits play an outsized role in maintaining longevity. Some of the best things you can do to extend your healthy years include eating a Mediterranean style diet, exercising regularly, staying socially connected, and limiting alcohol and other substances, among others.
More on aging: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Editor faves with health perks | | | | | | |  | | Paula Choice's Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 | | Wearing a daily SPF is one of the most important ways to protect your skin against signs of aging. I searched high and low for a mineral SPF that I actually enjoyed wearing and this one from Paula's Choice is by far my favorite. The oil-free formula goes on so light I can barely feel it's there. And unlike other mineral SPFs, it doesn't leave a cast on my skin. At roughly $40 for 2 ounces, it isn't the cheapest SPF, but as the most important step of my skin care routine, I find it's more than worth it. | | Note: I have combination skin and a fair complexion. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Look who's talking | "I don't overly curate my garden. I leave fallen leaves, I don't fret about weeds, and I try to work with the wildlife."
– Garden Marcus | | | | | | | Spring has sprung, and if you're lucky enough to have some soil to tend, you might find inspiration from positivity and plant enthusiast Marcus Bridgewater, aka Garden Marcus. From how to make your own compost and how to propagate vines, Marcus makes short and sweet videos on the various responsibilities of caring for plants. His most recent is about how to garden in harmony with the natural world. | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Turns out there aren't any health benefits to drinking alcohol | | | While past research has linked moderate alcohol intake to health benefits like reduced risk of heart disease, a new systematic review involving 4.8 million participants has found otherwise. The large analysis found that moderate drinking (defined as one drink or fewer per day for women and two drinks or fewer per day for men) doesn't have any health-protective effects. | | Even red wine? | | Yup. The review didn't find evidence to support the common claim that red wine is "healthier" because of its high antioxidant content. "Red wine's touted benefit for health turns out to be a myth in light of recent data," says Paul Linde, MD. | | OK, so how much alcohol is safe to drink? | | It's hard to say for sure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. But it also says that even this level of drinking can cause health issues. Meanwhile in Canada, newly revised drinking guidelines advise sticking to two drinks or fewer a week for men and women to stay in the low risk category. | | Learn more about alcohol and your health: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | They say having a purpose is one of the most powerful ways to stay engaged with life. As I've mentioned many times before, having surfing as the emotional and physical center of my life is nothing short of profound. | | Purpose can look so many different ways. It's good for us all to be reminded of what it can look like for other people, especially if we need inspiration in our own lives. So I'm turning it over to you to share. | | We want to know: What gives you purpose? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) | | | | | | |
| | | | A couple weeks back, we asked you to submit photos for our first ever pet photo contest and to share how your pet helps you stay healthy. We received so many sweet replies and adorable pet photos. So thank you to everyone who wrote in! Reading through them was the best part of my workday.
We were struck by one response, in particular, from reader Cyndy B. about her cat Chinook. Cyndy's response was so heartfelt that we decided to crown Chinook the winner. (But, of course, all of your sweet pets are winners, too). Here is an excerpt from Cyndy's email:
I was diagnosed with PTSD at 51 and have tried several approaches to being well. It took many years of treatment and exploration until I finally found that I was ready to love and trust again. This little blessing I adopted under a year ago from a local rescue. Win-win. Chinook arrived in an old crate, freshly spayed after having a litter. Like me, a mommy…. She's playful and funny, chatty and smart. It has been the best medicine being able to share my life with a tiny and beautiful soul. I still have dark moments; that's the reality of mental strife…. Yes to your article, sometimes a sense of purpose is the best medicine.
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