Many of us are over 40 and are therefore considered “middle-aged.” It is widely believed that aging is inevitably a process of cognitive and physical decline, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, not everything about getting older is negative. There are a lot of non-tangible benefits to “growing older,” which can make you a […]
The Extraordinary Lengths People Will Go Through to Live Longer
Life expectancy has gotten much higher over the last several decades. In certain locations known as Blue Zones located in parts of the world, including Greece and Japan, there are centenarians who garden, cook, sing, laugh, and play. Their weathered skin and slow gaits don’t stop them from living life to the fullest. Many people […]
How Longevity Science Is Slowing Diseases of Aging
Former President Jimmy Carter has lived longer than 46 other presidents in more than 230 years. At 98 years old, Carter, the 39th president, has outlived George H. W. Bush by just under four years– something that seemed unlikely in 2015, when Carter announced that cancer had spread to his brain. As the oldest […]
Lifestyle Tweaks that Could Lengthen your Life 23+ Years!
Dear Hayek, I heard somewhere that there are things you can do to increase your lifespan dramatically. What are some of those lifestyle tweaks? Thanks for your help! Liv Longur — Dear Liv, You’re correct. According to new research, healthy habits such as exercising, getting good sleep, and drinking in moderation could pay off not […]
Can an Ingredient in Energy Drinks Increase Your Longevity?
Maureen, 64, is part of a “walking book club.” They meet every morning at 7 a.m. and exercise their bodies and brains as they discuss the book of the week, while logging steps in the neighborhood. Maureen has never been much of a morning person, but she knows how important it is to exercise each […]
The ‘Benjamin Button’ Effect: If Scientists Can Reverse Aging in Mice, Can They Do the Same for Humans?
Fourteen years ago, the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was released. In the movie, Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) begins life as an elderly man in a New Orleans nursing home and ages in reverse. Twelve years later, he meets a young lady, Daisy, who flits in and out of his life as she […]
Redefining Health and Happiness in the Second Half of Life?
Q. My friend told me that he heard that reputable research involving thousands of people of all ages shows that we are happier as we get older, but I don’t see how that can be possible. With health and memory concerns, worries about running out of money in retirement, and fears about losing independence as […]
What Are We Going to Do with Our Century-Long Lives?
Laura Carstensen, a psychology professor at Stanford University and the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, spoke at the LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, last month. She explored how life span has changed over the last century, describing how in just a few generations, the life of an average human has increased […]
Things Not to Do When You Get Older
Upon turning 50, Steven Petrow, an award-winning journalist and author best known for his articles in the Washington Post and New York Times, started a new project. Inspired by his 70-something-year-old parents, he began assembling a list of “things I won’t do when I get old.” Although he was very close with his parents and […]
What Can You Learn from 3,000 Years of Collective Life Experience?
Emmy Cleaves, 86, is a yoga teacher who discovered Bikram Yoga after suffering a brain hemorrhage at age 35. Emmy continues to teach at a studio, inspiring students of all ages to heal their bodies and improve their lives with Bikram Yoga. According to Emmy, “I teach because I think it’s so important. It’s a […]
Could Canine Life-Extension Research Lead to Breakthroughs for Pets and Humans?
Dear Hayek, There is a lot of research out there about longevity in humans. Unfortunately, pets don’t live long enough. Is there any research being conducted about longevity and pets? I’d love for my best friend, Kirby the doodle, to be around for as long as possible. Thanks for your help! Doug Livenlonger — Dear […]
Has the U.S. Military Developed a Pill That Could Delay Aging?
Q. I’m getting older and I’ve decided — I’m not going down without a fight! I eat healthy, exercise daily, challenge my brain, use those face tightening creams with high ratings on Amazon, and do everything they say to “stay young.” Each birthday, I’m thankful to be alive and well with family who loves me, […]
This Octogenarian Finally Gets to Travel to Space
Many of us have plans for our octogenarian years. Some of us want to spend time at the beach, others want to travel to places we’ve never been, and there are others who want to spend as much time as possible with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Wally Funk, 82, has plans of her […]
Is Aging a Disease that Can Be Cured?
Betty White, the amazing 98-year-old actress and comedian, has had a television career spanning 80 years and has worked longer in the industry than anyone else. She offers the following advice about aging: “Get at least eight hours of beauty sleep, nine if you’re ugly.” Angela Lansbury, another famous actress who is 95, never permits […]
“Growing Bolder:” It’s Never Too Late to Live Your Dreams
Ben Beach holds one of the most amazing records in sports and it’s a record he breaks every year. Now in his mid-60s, the man who has run 48 straight Boston Marathons explains why and how he keeps going. Nik Wallenda is an acrobat, aerialist, daredevil, high wire artist, and author. The “King of the […]
The Six Characteristics of Reaching Age 100
Catherine is a 98 year old grandmother of six and great grandmother of 10. She hopes to live for another couple of decades to see her great grandchildren graduate from college, get married, and have children of their own. No one in her family has lived past 93, so she already considers herself lucky to […]
How a 104-year-old Survived Coronavirus
William “Bill” Lapschies, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, has recovered from coronavirus, making him the oldest survivor of the pandemic in the United States. Two others in their 100’s also survived–one in Italy and one in China. Bill, who also survived the Spanish flu, reportedly recovered from coronavirus just in time for his 104th […]
Turning 98: Betty White’s Secrets to Longevity and Lifelong Happiness
Happy 98th birthday to Betty White, Emmy-award winning actress and American icon! The lone surviving member of “The Golden Girls,” White was the oldest of the four leading characters; and many don’t know this, but she was originally cast as Blanche! Throughout her long life, Betty has married three times, hosted and appeared on numerous […]
What if Death Became a Thing of the Past?
“Aging is not a mystery, says famed researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey, perhaps the world’s foremost advocate of the provocative view that medical technology will one day allow humans to control the aging process and live healthily into our hundreds—or even thousands.” – Kira Peikoff, leapsmag If you could halt the aging process and live […]
103-Year Old Record-Breaking Runner Reveals Her Secrets to Longevity
When Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins turned 100, she decided to try a new hobby. When you imagine a hobby for a centenarian, you may think of knitting, playing cards, or even low-impact swimming. The last thing anyone would imagine is running, or setting records doing so three years later (at 103!) There is nothing low-impact about […]