Could You Live to be 122?
In 1997, a French woman named Jeanne Calment passed away at the remarkable age of 122, making her the world’s oldest verified person. Her daily routine included enjoying a glass of port wine and smoking a cigarette after meals, along with consuming a whopping 2.5 pounds of chocolate weekly. Despite advancements in healthcare, no one has surpassed her record longevity, leading experts like Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan to speculate on the potential limits of human lifespan.
The concept of a natural limit to human lifespan is rooted in biological evolution. Evolutionary pressures prioritize passing genes to the next generation, rather than prolonging individual life spans. This is evident in the varying lifespans of different species, with larger animals generally living longer. For instance, mayflies survive a mere one to two days, while bowhead whales may exceed 200 years.
While most species conform to this size-longevity correlation, certain exceptions exist. Creatures like the hydra and the immortal jellyfish appear unaffected by typical aging processes, hinting at the possibility of overcoming natural limitations through biological manipulation.
This growing understanding of aging mechanisms has spurred extensive research into interventions that could slow down or reverse the aging process. Scientists are focusing on areas such as eliminating senescent cells and exploring the potential of cellular reprogramming. The rapid expansion of longevity-focused research has spawned numerous startups and attracted significant investment in this burgeoning field.
Among the promising avenues of investigation is the identification of compounds that mimic the effects of a calorie-restricted diet, a well-known method for extending lifespan. Chemicals like rapamycin, originally discovered for its antifungal properties, show potential for anti-aging benefits but require careful fine-tuning to minimize side effects.
Researchers have also uncovered the rejuvenating effects of young blood on older organisms, as evidenced by experiments in mice. While the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still being unraveled, some companies have seized on this concept, offering young plasma as a potential anti-aging treatment.
While the quest for longevity interventions continues, Ramakrishnan emphasizes the importance of basic lifestyle practices in promoting overall health. Simple habits like balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and moderation in all things can collectively enhance well-being without any adverse effects.
As advances in longevity research unfold, incorporating healthy habits remains a timeless and cost-effective strategy for enhancing both quality of life and potentially extending lifespan.
This article appears in the July/August 2024 issue of WIRED UK magazine.