What kept Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary naturalist who spent decades studying primates, thriving into her 90s? And could beer actually have anti-aging benefits? We’re diving into both.

Appropriately, I think it’s worth mentioning that monkeys drink alcohol (in the form of overripe fruit)...it’s roughly the same amount of alcohol as two UK pints.

Dr. Goodall died on October 1 at the age of 91 from natural causes, leaving behind more than discoveries and lessons, but the blueprint for living a life compassionately, conscientiously, connected to nature, and with intention. 

Strong sense of purpose: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you,” she writes in her memoir Jane Goodall: 40 Years at Gombe. Having a sense of meaning has repeatedly been linked to a significantly longer life span and an increased likelihood of participating in healthy-aging habits. 

Plant-based diet: Goodall was a 50-year vegan. She championed eating for health. For both self and planet. The principles of Mediterranean diet (more plants, less red meat, and fewer ultra-processed foods) is consistently ranked the best diet for health, lowering the risk of metabolic diseases and supporting longevity.

Optimism: Your thoughts impact your life(span). Goodall actively looked for things that made her feel hopeful. Research has found that people with more optimism have better heart health (35% lower risk of heart events) and immune systems, reports the MIT Press Reader.

She didn’t retire: Remaining in your career for longer could have serious longevity perks, including a sense of purpose, increased social and physical activity, and slower rate of cognitive decline. Though she eventually would shift from living in the jungle to traveling the world on book tours, her livelihood kept her mobile, engaged, and stimulated.

Nature immersion:  Spending decades in nature was her calling, and it likely lowered her cortisol and kept inflammation in check. Now, research shows that it’s a crucial aspect of healthy aging.

A new study in mice suggests that beer can have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce oxidative stress (stress on cells) that causes aging, according to Lifespan Research Institute.

Drinking beer is associated with improved liver and kidney function, a healthier microbiome, and less inflammation associated with aging.

Chinese researchers artificially aged mice. For four weeks, mice then received one of three types of beer: Original (like unfiltered pale lager; 5.42% alcohol by volume (ABV)), IPA (5.83%), or Stout (7.54%)

Specifically, the increase in healthy gut bacteria can improve the production of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids, tiny molecules produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. There were even more specific benefits:

This study has limitations, including the fact that mice were artificially aged, young, and male, and the study was conducted over a short period.. 

Alcohol can also contribute to serious liver damage, and a larger body of evidence suggests it actually ages cells. But it might be more nuanced than good v. bad, and this science offers evidence that it may have short-term benefits. So cheers!

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We’re still exploring the how, but a recent study in yeast, published in Communications Biology, may provide new insights. Using Rapalink-1, a next-generation TOR inhibitor, they discovered:

Inhibiting TOR makes TORC1 (a protein complex) less active. This slows cell growth, which can prevent unhealthy cells from quickly multiplying.

TOR may affect the metabolism of amino acid arginine. When TOR is high, enzymes called agmatinases can’t break down arginine. In the study, this led to rapid growth and shorter lifespan.

Is swearing actually bad? Based on the research, context is key.

Everybody jump jump! Why adding this to your routine can help your bones age better.

Rosemary is having a Renaissance: The ancient tradition of burning rosemary is making a comeback. Are there really health benefits?

Is hormone therapy a longevity tool? Women have been afraid of it for years, but Livelong writer Tiffany paints a more hopeful picture.

Should you microdose Ozempic? Beyond weight loss, the drug could activate anti-aging pathways. Here’s the problem.

We asked, you answered:

More than 50% said creating a family. Strong relationships can add up to 10 years to overall lifespan, strengthening the immune system, boosts mood, increases resilience to stress, and reduces loneliness! Choose family (biological or chosen) for happiness, and health.