The science of longevity: what current studies really say

Just imagine: In Germany, a country with a state-of-the-art healthcare system, life expectancy is among the lowest in Western Europe. This raises the question: What do we really know about longevity and the factors that influence it? According to a US study, a healthy lifestyle can extend life expectancy by an average of 22.6 years for women and 23.7 years for men.

Longevity science has made considerable progress in recent years. Current studies on longevity identify various factors that influence our lifespan. These include genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices and social relationships. The aim of the research is to understand how these factors interact and what measures can be taken to promote a long and healthy life.

In addition, the University of Illinois has made critical findings in a comprehensive analysis of data from over 700,000 US veterans aged 40 to 99. This research shows that unrecognized high blood pressure is a preventable risk that significantly affects mortality from cardiovascular disease.

Genes and their role in longevity

Genetics plays a significant role in determining our life expectancy. Research suggests that around 20-30% of life expectancy is influenced by genetic factors, although some recent studies estimate this influence to be less than 7%. This discrepancy shows how complex the genetics of longevity are and how many other factors also play a role.

The influence of genes on life expectancy

Genetic studies, including those from the UK Biobank, have identified some of the key genes associated with longevity. One notable example is the FOXO3 gene, which has been associated with longer life expectancy in several studies worldwide. In addition, twin studies from Sweden and Denmark have shown that up to a third of longevity is determined by genetic factors.

FOXO3 and other important gene variants

The FOXO3 gene is one of the most highly frequented genes in longevity genetics research. Aging gene variants, such as those in the FOXO3 gene, contribute to the regulation of cell protection and repair mechanisms that are essential for a longer life. In addition, research has identified the APOE gene, particularly the e2 allele, which is more common in very old individuals and is associated with longer life expectancy.

Rarity and distribution of longevity genes

Most of the longevity genes identified are rare in the population. This partly explains why extremely old age is only reached in a small percentage of the population. In the GEHA study, funded by the European Commission, DNA samples are being collected from centenarians and their siblings to investigate these genetic variants in more detail. In this way, researchers can not only further decipher the rare gene variants of ageing, but also their distribution and frequency in different population groups.

Lifestyle factors that influence lifespan

A healthy lifestyle can significantly increase life expectancy. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet with calorie control and effective stress management have been proven to have a positive impact on health and well-being in old age.

Sport and physical activity

Regular physical activity is a decisive factor for a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that people who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week can significantly prolong their lives. Physical activity not only promotes heart health, but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It also improves mental health and general well-being.

Nutritional behavior and calorie reduction

A healthy diet plays a key role in longevity. Consuming healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grain products can reduce the risk of age-related diseases. According to a recent study by Columbia University, a reduced calorie intake can slow down the ageing process. A diet rich in spermidine could even extend life expectancy by around five years.

Sleep quality and stress management

Sleep quality and stress management are also critical factors for a long life. Sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night supports the immune system and promotes cell repair. Effective stress management, such as slow breathing, can have positive effects on health after just five to ten minutes. Chronic stress increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and should therefore be reduced.

In summary, lifestyle longevity, physical activity and a healthy diet can make a decisive contribution to a long and healthy life. By improving these lifestyle factors, the average life expectancy in Germany can rise to 90 years by 2035.

Eight factors for a longer life

Research from the University of Illinois has identified eight lifestyle factors that can significantly extend lifespan. These factors play an essential role in increasing longevity and preventing chronic diseases. The results of the study show impressive opportunities to significantly extend our lives.

The results of the study by the University of Illinois

The University of Illinois study highlights that adherence to certain longevity factors can extend life by over 20 years. Here are the identified health factors:

• No smoking
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Regular physical activity
• Healthy diet
• Sufficient sleep
• Stress management
• Positive social relationships
• Regular health checks

Practical implementation of the eight factors

To increase longevity, these factors should be integrated into everyday life. It is known that non-smoking and moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 80%, while regular physical activity and a balanced diet reduce the risk of diabetes by 90%. Stress management and good sleep hygiene significantly reduce the risk of death. Positive social relationships can also improve mental health.

Longevity research: Understanding current studies

Longevity research continues to shed light on new aspects of ageing research methods and provides valuable insights into various factors that can influence lifespan. A study published in October 2024 examines age-related changes in gait, balance and strength parameters. The results show a drastic decrease in the ability to stand on one leg with increasing age, as well as a decrease in grip and knee strength, with the latter being more pronounced. Interestingly, gender-specific differences only occurred in the strength measurements, but not in balance.

The study emphasizes that good balance is crucial to avoid falls and related injuries, which often lead to reduced mobility. Regular balance training should therefore be a central part of the health regime for older adults to promote independence and well-being.

Balance and longevity are closely linked. Promoting balance and other longevity strategies can extend lifespan and improve quality of life. Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old entrepreneur, claims to take over 100 pills a day as part of his “Blueprint” project, which aims to slow or reverse aging. These extreme measures highlight the wide range of ageing research methods being investigated today.

Current longevity studies show that regions with above-average life expectancy can be found in so-called “blue zones”, often with a considerable number of centenarians. This suggests that specific lifestyle factors and social structures play a significant role in longevity research. In addition, the Pubmed research database contains almost 300 publications from 2024 dealing with human longevity, underlining the intensity and interest in this area of research.

The large number of longevity interventions and the considerable investments made by billionaires such as Jeff Bezos in companies like Altos Labs illustrate the potential and expectations associated with longevity research. With a broad spectrum of starting points and methods, longevity research is proving to be versatile and forward-looking.

The influence of social relationships on longevity

Social relationships play a key role in longevity. Studies show that close family and friendships can strengthen well-being and extend lifespan. Support from family and friends has a positive effect on mental and physical health. A stable social network reduces the risk of mental illness and increases general well-being.

The role of family and friends

Family and friends are fundamental parts of our social network. A long-term study over eight years showed that older adults with close friendships have a 24% lower risk of dying. In addition, positive social interactions promote the production of oxytocin and endorphins, which are known as happiness hormones and increase general well-being. Loneliness, on the other hand, is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and physical illnesses such as heart disease.

Studies on social networks and life expectancy

Several studies have investigated the influence of social networks on life expectancy. Social support in stressful situations lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and protects the body from the harmful effects of chronic stress. People with a strong social network often have fewer psychological and physical problems. However, losing close friends or withdrawing from social circles can lead to increased health risks.

Anti-ageing studies and their results

Advances in anti-ageing research have led to exciting discoveries, particularly in the exploration of drugs and treatment approaches that could potentially extend lifespan. These anti-aging studies focus on different approaches to combat age-related diseases and improve overall health as we age.

Medications such as rapamycin and metformin

Drugs such as rapamycin and metformin are two promising candidates in anti-ageing research. Rapamycin, a well-known mTOR inhibitor, has been shown in studies to extend the lifespan of mice while reducing age-related diseases. Metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, is also being studied for its anti-ageing effects. Previous studies have shown that metformin has positive effects on the longevity of model organisms.

The effect of senolytics

Senolytics are another exciting development in anti-ageing studies. These drugs aim to eliminate senescent cells – cells that have lost their ability to divide and release inflammatory factors. Removing these cells can improve overall health and reduce age-related symptoms. Studies in mice have shown that senolytics can work by significantly improving quality of life and prolonging life expectancy.

Research into blood plasma therapy

Another field of research that has gained attention in recent years is blood plasma therapy. This method is based on the idea that blood plasma from young donors can reduce age-related deficits in older recipients. Positive effects on brain function and muscle regeneration have been observed in animal models. However, blood plasma therapy still requires extensive research before it can be considered an accessible and safe treatment method for humans.

Preventive measures for a long and healthy life

Preventive measures Longevity is crucial to prolonging life expectancy and improving quality of life. Regular check-ups enable diseases to be detected earlier and offer the opportunity to take timely medical interventions.

Early detection of diseases

The early detection of diseases plays an important role in the prevention of longevity. Especially with diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, early diagnosis can be crucial. Modern screening methods allow health risks to be identified quickly and accurately.

Regular check-ups

Regular check-ups are essential to monitor health over the years and react to changes in good time. For middle-aged men and women, specific check-ups are recommended to detect diseases earlier and manage them in the long term. A well-established screening plan can make a significant contribution to improving quality of life and longevity.

1. Annual general health checks
2. Blood pressure and cholesterol level checks
3. Cancer screening tests, such as mammography and colonoscopy
4. Cardiovascular monitoring

These preventive measures longevity are essential in order to recognize serious health problems at an early stage and counteract them directly. By carrying out regular health checks, you can not only detect illnesses earlier, but also make lifestyle adjustments that have a positive impact on longevity.

The difference between unhealthy and healthy ageing

Healthy ageing differs greatly from unhealthy ageing due to fewer chronic illnesses and a higher quality of life into old age. Various ways of looking after your own body and mental fitness are crucial here. But what does it actually mean to age healthily and how can examples of supercentenarians serve as inspiration?

Examples of supercentenarians

Supercentenarians, i.e. people who have reached the age of 110 or more, are characterized by amazing health and longevity. Jeanne Louise Calment, the oldest woman ever documented, reached the age of 122. A look at these supercentenarians shows that healthy aging is often linked to healthy lifestyle habits, including a nutrient-rich diet and regular physical activity.

Strategies for healthy ageing

Various ageing strategies can be used for healthy ageing. Studies show that calorie reduction and a balanced diet, as traditionally practiced in countries such as Japan and Italy, allow older people to live longer and healthier lives. Regular exercise and quality sleep are also important for health. While the average life expectancy in Europe is 83.4 years for women and 78.5 years for men, it was significantly lower before 1900. With targeted ageing strategies, people today can achieve a high quality of life and longevity.

The role of the environment in life expectancy

Environmental conditions have a profound impact on our health and life expectancy. Pollution, climate change and habitat destruction can reduce our lifespan, while improved environmental quality can contribute to increased longevity.

Influences of environmental factors

Environmental influences such as air pollution, water quality and noise levels play a decisive role in longevity. Studies show that increased concentrations of pollutants can significantly affect life expectancy. In cities with high levels of air pollution, residents were found to have shorter lifespans.

The prevention of environmental toxins and access to clean air and water are fundamental measures to support a healthy life. Protective measures and regulations in the area of environmental protection make a significant contribution to reducing these risks.

Measures to improve environmental conditions

Targeted measures to improve the environment are necessary in order to increase life expectancy. These include reducing emissions, expanding renewable energies and promoting sustainable urban development projects. Individual changes in behavior, such as avoiding single-use plastic and making a conscious decision to use public transport, can also lead to significant improvements.

Another important aspect is the protection of biodiversity. Preserving and restoring natural habitats not only supports environmental protection, but also has positive effects on people’s mental and physical health.

The maximum achievable human lifespan

The maximum human lifespan has long been a fascinating field of research. According to scientists, historical data has shown that average life expectancy has risen steadily. In 2020, the average life expectancy was 83.6 years for women and 78.9 years for men. However, these impressive figures are only part of the picture, as research continues to search for the biological limits that define our maximum human lifespan.

Statistics and historical data

Historical data has shown that life expectancy has increased significantly over the last few centuries. For example, a data analysis of US military personnel showed that 8 lifestyle factors can increase life expectancy by 24.0 years for 40-year-old men and 20.5 years for women. It is also estimated that the number of people over 65 could soon account for a third of the population. Despite these advances, it is clear that the resilience of the human body increasingly declines between the ages of 120 and 150. The prediction by Michael Pearce and Adrian Raftery that the age record of 122 years will be broken by 2100 with a probability of more than 99% is also intriguing.

Research on the biological frontier

Lifespan research is an exciting field that explores the fundamental biological limits of the human body. Longevity studies have indicated that people who live beyond the age of 110 are classified as supercentenarians. At the same time, research shows that the genetic basis plays an important role. Variants of the APOE and FOXO3A genes have been linked to longevity. However, the challenge is to recognize that maximum lifespan is not influenced by genetic factors alone. Lifestyle, diet and social factors also play a role. Bryan Johnson, a US entrepreneur, is an example of the extreme measures people can take; he takes more than 100 pills a day to slow down the ageing process.

Influence of education level on longevity

Education level and longevity are closely linked. Studies have shown that people with a higher level of education have a longer life expectancy on average. For example, highly educated people often have a longer life expectancy than people with a lower level of education. In fact, the life expectancy of highly educated sections of the population is often above the global record level, such as in Japan or Switzerland. The increase in life expectancy among the highly educated in Scandinavian countries, Finland, Belgium, France and Switzerland is remarkable.

Studies on education and life expectancy

Studies in various countries illustrate the strong correlation between education and life expectancy. In the USA and Norway, small religious groups such as the Mormons or the Seventh-day Adventists achieve peak values for life expectancy that far exceed those of the record-breaking countries. Another example is Russia, where men with the lowest level of education die on average 13 years earlier than their more highly educated counterparts. There is also a clear difference in Finland: at the beginning of the 1970s, the difference in life expectancy between the highly educated and other sections of the population was around 4.4 years and has since increased to a good six years.

Reasons for the link between education and longevity

The influence of education on longevity can be attributed to various factors. The influence of education affects not only knowledge about health measures, but also access to health resources. Highly educated people often exhibit better health behaviors and are more involved in social networks. In addition, educational activities among older people promote both life satisfaction and health. It has been proven that a higher level of education leads to a more self-determined lifestyle and a more active social life.

Educational activities can also support social inclusion and the development of skills, which in turn strengthens personal competence. Sociological studies postulate that stronger social networks increase participation in educational opportunities and thus the general quality of life in old age. A representative survey shows that many older people are interested in educational activities but are often unable to find suitable opportunities, which underlines the need for improved access to educational resources.

Future perspectives in ageing research

The future of ageing research promises exciting developments and groundbreaking findings that can significantly expand our understanding of the ageing process. By 2050, the number of people over 65 is expected to double, increasing the urgency to find effective strategies to extend healthspan. Advances in genetic research, such as the identification of twelve linked aging traits, including genomic instability and mitochondrial dysfunction, play a central role in this endeavor. Innovative aging studies show that the CISD2 gene and other genetic factors are critical to lifespan.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ageing research has enormous potential. AI enables the development of age predictors and biomarkers that provide a holistic view of biological processes. These technologies could make it possible to develop more precise and personalized approaches to extending healthspan. Increasing investment from venture capitalists, biotechnology companies and large pharmaceutical companies indicates that developments in longevity science are also highly valued by the business community.

Another promising field is cellular reprogramming. Animal experiments, particularly in mice, have shown that damaged cells can be restored to a younger state. Such technologies could help to delay age-related diseases and significantly improve the quality of life in old age. The example of rapamycin, which was able to significantly extend the lifespan of mice in animal experiments, underlines the relevance of such innovative approaches. With ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration, as promoted by initiatives such as the Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) conference series, exciting breakthroughs in ageing research are on the horizon.