Who Wants To Live Forever
As a whole, humans are doing well. The species that we recognize as humans have existed for at least a couple of million years. Homo sapiens has survived a few hundred thousand years longer than other hominids. We have developed skills and tools that put us in a position to dominate a world dominated once by giant reptiles. We’re also living longer as individuals. In the last two centuries, medical advances, agricultural revolutions, and basic hygiene have all combined to increase life expectancy.
Some of us are very interested in living as long as we can. The people who study this call it an essentialist mentality” that aims to conquer or postpone a biologically determined aging process.” Some people are less concerned about it all and choose to live life as it happens. The people who are pushing the boundaries of aging want to not only live longer but also live better. Although there are ways to extend our lives, research suggests that we may have a limit on how long we can live.
Natural vs. Medical
We could live longer if we were able to eliminate stress and diseases (cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two most serious threats). A study conducted by Singapore’s Gero measured blood cell counts and step counts. It found that these diminished over time, even in the absence of major stressors. Over time, our ability to bounce back diminishes, and we lose a step. The study estimated that our maximum lifespan is between 120-150 years. (The oldest person to date died at the age of 122). According to a 2016 study published in Nature, while Jeanne Calment’s (the 122-year-old Frenchwoman who died in 1997) death will occur occasionally, the likelihood of one person living to 125 years or more in any given year is only 1 in 10,000. The “natural limit” for life expectancy is, therefore, around 115.
Aubrey de Grey is a biomedical researcher at the SENS Foundation. She told Scientific American that the paper’s results are correct, but they don’t say anything about the future of medicine. They only speak of current and past treatment.
Recently, there have been many devices available that help us live healthier lives. Fitness and health trackers track our workouts and even give us EKGs. Fall-detection devices help older people get immediate assistance, even if they are alone. Social media keeps them in touch with friends and family.
The medical facilities are equipped with equipment that can detect potentially life-threatening situations early enough to be treated. Metformin was originally used to treat diabetes. It has since been touted as a miracle drug that could help us live longer. Bank of America bets on “moonshot medicines” by companies such as genetics-focused Illumina or Sangamo Therapeutics to push average human life expectancy past 100.
Mind Over Matter
It is possible that the same mentality that motivates people to want to live longer can also help them achieve it. Motivated people are the types of people who want to age well.
She explains that goals are states of mind people want to reach. They give us direction and meaning. They motivate us to learn new skills or maintain our functioning. And they give us the sense of agency to shape our lives in accordance with our values, Dr. Alexandra Freund told Very Well Mind.
The supplement focused on motivation as a key factor in achieving longevity. Reason is what drives people to exercise, eat healthy, stay connected with others, and reach milestones. Setting goals is a life-giving activity. Incentives change with us, but they remain constant. But it takes effort.
Ann Graybiel is an Institute Professor and McGovern Institute member at MIT. She said, “As we get older, it becomes harder to maintain a positive attitude towards things.” This get-up-and-go or engagement is important for social well-being as well as for learning. It’s hard to learn if we are not attending and engaging.
She and her colleagues are researching possible drug treatments to stimulate stromal brain activity, which will make it easier for us as we age to remain motivated.
Dos & Don’ts
You can extend your life by adopting certain habits and stopping others.
Counting calories can help you live longer. Even a 10% reduction in caloric intake will increase your life expectancy. Hara Hachi Bu (“eat till you’re at least 80% full”) is a method used by many Okinawans. Okinawa has four times more centenarians than anywhere else on the planet.
Vegetarian and vegan diets reduce the risk of premature mortality by 12-15%. Vegetarians and vegans are less likely to suffer from heart disease, depression, or brain damage. It’s not necessary to completely give up meat. Just add more salads and nuts.
Exercise – It’s no surprise that staying physically active, even for 15 minutes a day, can make you live longer.
Making friends will make you happier. It gives you something to look forward to. A healthy social circle has been shown to help people live up to 50% longer compared to living alone. What’s the point of living longer without friends?
There are vices that you can give up to live longer.
Standing desks are a great way to get up and move around periodically.
Stressing out is bad for the heart, metabolism, immune system, and your. The breathing and yoga exercises can help you stay calm when life is stressful.
Sleeping too much can also be bad. Darkness, white noise, and meditation can help create the perfect atmosphere.
Processed foods – Sometimes, we are too busy to cook and need something quick to eat so that we can get back to our work. Sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, which are often found in frozen and takeout food, can be very harmful to your health. Another reason to consume more plant-based foods.
