🎉✨ Happy Friday and Happy New Year!
Let’s ring in a new season, shall we? I think that beginnings and ‘firsts’—whether it’s a new year, experience, food, etc—are motivating because they carry more potential and opportunity. Less expectations. What firsts are you going to take this year?
This week is a fun one! We’re talking about mitochondria, mini marshmallows, mahjong, and ‘manifestation.’ 🔬🍬🀄✨
Quick Poll
Do ‘woo’ concepts (energy work, astrology, manifestation, etc.) have a place in your life?
Spotlight
🧬 Mitochondria should eat themselves–here’s why
Targeting a specific part of the cell’s cleanup system may help maintain healthier cells as we age and for longevity.
Out with the old and in with the new is the mantra of healthy cells.
When cells go through autophagy (a cellular cleaning system where cells ‘eat themselves’), they’re better able to stave off damage that causes disease, malfunction, and the breakdown of our bodies.
Now, researchers have discovered that these benefits can be taken to the next level via mitophagy (mitochondrial autophagy), the process of recycling damaged or faulty mitochondria so new ones can come. ♻️
The authors suggest that therapies that target mitophagy “could profoundly alter the trajectory of human aging…[and] may unlock unprecedented health benefits and redefine the limits of lifespan,” reports Bioengineer, summarizing research published in Cell Death Discovery.
Key insights 🔍
Two proteins (PINK1 and Parkin) essentially tag broken mitochondria for destruction like a biological hit list. 🎯 Optimizing these proteins may:
Protect mitochondria
Delay cellular senescence (the spread of inflammation from damaged cells)
Slow aging-related decline
In cell studies, targeting mitophagy restored mitochondrial function, helping cells defend against age-associated stressors and potentially reducing inflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic dysfunction. 🔥
Big picture: This is prevention + restoration, aimed at preserving our biological powerhouses. ⚡ It could one day join the ranks of other known longevity interventions, such as caloric restriction and senolytics, to slow aging and decline.
Action item: Endurance exercise (brisk walks, running) can trigger mitophagy. 🏃♀️🚶♂️
The Livelong Women’s Health Summit
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Wellness Watch
🐒 The mini-marshmallow-loving monkeys teaching us about longevity
Image Credit: Texas Biomedical Research Institute
At Texas Biomed, roughly 450 mini marshmallow-loving marmosets are helping scientists better understand human aging and longevity.
From mini marshmallows on a conveyor belt to rapamycin, their responses serve as a surprisingly effective proxy for understanding how similar diseases/therapeutics affect humans. 🧪
Why marmosets? Native to Brazil, marmosets share many of the same aging risks as humans–cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease. In addition:
Shared ‘monkey minds’ 🧠: Similar cognitive processes, brain pathways, and social behaviors make them valuable for dementia research.
Study a lifetime ⏱️: Because they live only about six years, researchers can observe the lifetime impact of therapies much faster.
#Trust 🤝: Marmosets are already being used in research on reproductive medicine, immunotherapies, and vaccines — and now, longevity.
The ethical dilemma
Animal testing has a painful and complicated history. Researchers are now using a model that supports conservation and animal-welfare efforts while turning to AI and computer modeling first, wherever possible. 🤖🌿
Why it matters:
Marmosets are becoming critical partners in neuroscience and aging research, advancing human health, animal welfare, and conservation. 🌍
When you hear about a promising longevity drug, like rapamycin and metformin, there’s a good chance these mini-marshmallow-loving monkeys are helping ensure it’s safe and effective for people. 😋
Become a Livelong Ambassador! 🌟
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In Other News
Mahjong improves brain aging
🧠🀄 In Mahjong, skill meets luck meets better brain function. The tile game, which originates from China, is not only a worldwide form of fun. It has suggested clinical benefits that support healthier aging. Mahjong can:
Alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults.
Create gains in short-term memory, attention, and everyday functioning to keep your brain sharp.
Demands socialization and connection, creating an environment of fun and enjoyment. 💬🎉
The big picture: Video games, card games, or centuries-old Chinese games provide mental stimulation, socialization, and connection that can help you age better. Whatever games you want to play, be sure to have fun doing it. ❤️
Become part of our free private community dedicated to all things women’s health and longevity. Get inspiration from more than 100 women when you participate in discussions about GLP-1s, mindfulness, travel destinations, morning routines, and more. 💜
This week’s highlights ✨
QUICK READS
🏃♀️ 10-20-30: Would you try the new training concept with “greater benefits” than moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise?
🌿 Herby terpenoids: Plant compounds found in oregano and thyme activate mitophagy (Whoo hoo! Read the top article to see why you should care)
MORE FROM LIVELONG
THINKING OF DOING A DETOX: Maybe don’t…read more
FIVE PREDICTIONS FOR 2026: From the oral microbiome to longevity cities, these are the trends shaping how we age in 2026.
🤖 THE LIV REPORT: Avoid ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’ and a cool longevity hack.
LONG-LEVITY:
“Manifest” a good new year ✨
Encouraging science behind a ‘woo woo’ concept.
It’s got to be wizardry, “turning thoughts into reality”…false hopes and wishful thinking.
But certain neurological techniques can boost the odds of thinking dreams into realities. 💫 A 2025 study in Health Psychology confirms that mental contrasting, linking a desired future (goal) to a present obstacle, then making an ‘if–then’ plan, boosts follow-through on healthy actions. 🧠
Real example from study:
Desire: Consistent bedtime
Obstacle: Sleep procrastination
If-then plan: ‘If it is 10 PM, then I will start getting ready for going to sleep.’
Outcome: Participants became more regular sleepers, and they felt happier.
This can even shape how you age. Words have an emotional charge, and studies show that thinking positively about aging improves emotional well-being and adds years to life.
Wishful thinking doesn’t create outcomes. But evidence-based self-talk rewires habits and resilience, making longevity goals easier to accomplish. 🎯
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The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.
