Fundamental Longevity: Part 1

What is the science of longevity? At it’s core, longevity scientists want to find the answers for “How can I live a longer, healthier, and better life?”

When you have a good grasp of the basics (the ‘why,’ how,’ and ‘what’ that underlines all the biology, technology, and development of new anti-aging therapies), the sky is the limit — better yet, age is no longer the limit.

Let’s dive into concepts and terminology that provide a frame of reference for understanding this important field.

Longevity terminology

Because longevity ≠ life span ≠ life expectancy

• longevity

• longevity medicine

• life expectancy

• lifespan

• aging

Basic biology

• DNA

• telomeres

• mitochondria

• oxidative stress

Wellness

• healthspan

• well-being

Essential longevity terminology

Longevity

I see longevity as being broken into two parts:

1. The idea

2. The process 

The idea

I love this simple definition from GQ. Longevity is “the amount and quality of time spent alive.”

In a nutshell, how long are you alive and how good are those years?

The process

Generally speaking, the field of longevity looks at the processes controlling the length and quality of life, described as “why humans age, how they age, and interventions to slow the aging process,” says Deloitte.

Longevity medicine

Since this is such a new field of medicine (other fields of medicine would include dermatology, pediatrics, or physiology…), there are few concrete definitions. 

Researchers in a 2021 paper published in the The Lancet describe longevity medicine as “advanced personalized preventive medicine powered by deep biomarkers of aging and longevity.” 

Basically, we can try to prevent aging and disease—and promoting long-term health—by monitoring body signals and ensuring they function optimally.

Life expectancy 

Refers to the average number of years a person can expect to live. This is determined on a population level. Right now, the average American life expectancy is 77.5 years, per CDC data.

Lifespan 

Refers to the longest amount of time an individual can live. Records indicate the longest living person lived to be 122 years (Jeane Louise Calment of France). This means 122 is the current maximum human lifespan.

Aging

Aging is considered the primary risk factor for disease, including cancer and Alzheimer's. Slowing or reversing aging may prevent or reverse life-threatening diseases and lower quality of life.

There are two types of aging:

Chronological aging – the number of years you have been alive. 

• If you have been alive for 53 years, your chronological age is 53. There’s no changing how much time you have been on earth.

Biological aging– The age of your cells. 

• That same 53-year-old could have a biological age of 46, which would mean her cells are more healthy and young than the cells of an average 53-year-old.

Longevity science focuses on biological aging. How can we extend your lifespan and keep your cells young?

Learn science-backed longevity with Livelong

When I’m asked about my job, the usual response—as if reflexively—goes something like “Oh! What is longevity science?” We want to change that, which is why we created the Livelong Experience.

With world-class experts and an intimate group setting, you are bound to develop a firm understanding of the science of longevity, which will allow you to start living healthier, better, and with intention.

Livelong is an independent media company that believes in helping you understand the foundations of health. We are not experts and we don’t claim to be. Our job is to connect you with the experts, distill the science, and show you how to live it.

Join us and live the science of a longer life.

Reserve Your Seat Today

Basic biology

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule which contains your genetic code. Every cell has DNA. It’s really the blueprint of…well, you.

DNA damage is a predominant cause—if not THE ultimate cause—of aging, having “downstream consequences” that affect all other pillars of aging, according to authors in the journal eLife. This can create “a state of self-perpetuating damage, which likely is the ultimate cause of aging.”

Telomeres

Telomeres are “the end caps of DNA,” and they are significantly linked with aging. Telomeres shrink as we age, which may increase our risk of cancer and other diseases; likewise, longer telomeres protect our DNA and are linked to less risk of disease/longevity.

The goal of many aging therapies and lifestyle interventions is to keep telomeres long, and possibly lengthen shortened telomere.

Mitochondria

‘The powerhouse of the cell’, mitochondria supply our cells with energy— they are intricately linked with aging. A decline in mitochondria function leads to the accumulation of inflammatory senescent (‘zombie’) cells (although it can also be a consequence of senescence), chronic inflammation, and less stem cell activity.

Leading theories suggest that mutations in the mitochondria cause aging, although there probably has to be a certain amount of damage before signs of aging show.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress describes “cell and tissue damage.”

The damage occurs when the body has more inflammatory free radicals (called oxygen reactive species [ROS]) than antioxidants.

• Antioxidants serve to “detoxify” the body of the inflammatory molecules, write researchers in Oxidative Medical Cellular Longevity.

Aging causes oxidative stress, although oxidative stress can worsen the symptoms of aging. Long-term, oxidative stress can lead to neurological and respiratory disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.

Wellness

Healthspan 

Healthspan indicates the number of years a person is disease-free and healthy. Genetics, lifestyle, and environment affect healthspan and can help you prevent disease.

These factors are also “highly related to preventing your death from those diseases," says Dr. Norrina Allen of Northwestern University in an interview with the American Heart Association. 

Well-being 

Well-being is “feeling good and functioning well,” according to Biomedical Central.

The experience of well-being makes you perceive that ‘life is going well,’ which is clinically linked to better physical health, quality habits, life satisfaction, and greater life expectancy.

Eight things influence well-being: Emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial health. 

• “If any one of these dimensions is neglected over time, it will adversely affect one’s health, well-being, and quality of life,” according to CSU Pueblo.

Great work team! Come back to this list whenever you need to go back to the basics, or use it to reinforce your foundation for understanding the science and biology of longevity.

Next week, we’re tackling all things longevity medicine.

Don’t Miss:

We love books — Start the new year with a new read about living longer

Today’s top pods 👇— Discover new ways to live longer.

• Moving beyond Menopause 

• Go outside if you really want to live longer 

Longevity Media LLC

Look good, feel better, live longer.