Advances in Longevity Research: Focus on Healthspan

The quest for longevity is as old as humanity itself. Over recent decades, science has not only joined this quest, but is making strides in understanding the potential avenues for increasing healthspan and lifespan.

Animal studies indicate that a single gene change can prolong a mouse’s health and life.¹ Fontana, Luigi et al. “Extending healthy life span–from yeast to humans.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 328,5976 (2010): 321-6. doi:10.1126/science.1172539 PubMed Source A similar pattern is observed in centenarians – people who have lived for a century or more. These individuals often experience common age-related diseases like heart disease, cancer, and dementia later in life than those who live shorter lives, indicating a correlation between longevity and delayed onset of diseases.

Since 1960, the average life expectancy has seen an increment of 20 years. In other words, nearly every week, we are adding an extra day to our lifespan.

Around the globe, an impressive number of 573,000 individuals are expected to celebrate their 100th birthday this year, according to the World Economic Forum.² Want to live healthier longer? Scientists aim to improve life quality over quantity by KAREN WEINTRAUB. USA TODAY Source This group offers an interesting study case for scientists in the field of aging biology, who aim to create a larger population of centenarians. However, the route to longevity is not simple, and it’s crucial to separate real scientific approaches from misleading claims of curing death.

As longevity research advances, the focus of scientists and healthcare professionals is gradually shifting from merely extending lifespan to improving healthspan. But what exactly is healthspan and why does it matter more?

Healthspan refers to the period of one’s life that is spent in good health, free from the serious diseases or disabilities that come with age. It’s not just about adding years to life, but more importantly, adding life to those years. Now, let’s delve into the reasons why healthspan has a more profound importance than lifespan.

From a personal point of view, a longer healthspan means more years to enjoy life in a vibrant, active manner. It’s about being able to pursue passions, engage in activities that bring joy, maintain independence, and spend quality time with loved ones. People with longer healthspans can continue to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities even in their later years.

On the social front, a society where people have a longer healthspan benefits everyone. It translates into less dependence on others and decreased need for healthcare services. Older adults who maintain their health can continue to participate in social activities, volunteer, and pass on their valuable knowledge and experiences to younger generations, which can lead to a more integrated and enriched society.

From an economic perspective, healthspan prolongation can have immense benefits. As the world’s population ages, the cost of healthcare rises. By extending the period of life spent in good health, we can reduce the burden on healthcare systems and save significant resources. In addition, a longer healthspan means people can remain in the workforce longer if they choose, contributing to economic productivity.

If we can slow down our biological aging just enough to add one more year to the average U.S. lifespan, it’s like injecting a staggering $37 trillion into the economy

Indeed, recognizing these vast personal, social, and economic benefits, scientists around the globe are relentlessly working to unravel the mysteries of aging.⁴Nielsen, Johannes Leth et al. “Clinical Trials Targeting Aging.” Frontiers in aging vol. 3 820215. 4 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3389/fragi.2022.820215 PubMed Source They are striving to understand how we can not only extend our lifespan but importantly improve our healthspan. Numerous medical trials are ongoing, investigating the potential of various substances to delay aging and enhance healthspan.

Among these substances, Rapamycin and Metformin are receiving significant attention in the realm of longevity research. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, has shown promise in increasing the lifespan of mice,⁵ Clinical Trials Gov. Participatory Evaluation (of) Aging (With) Rapamycin (for) Longevity Study (PEARL) Source whereas Metformin, a common diabetes medication, has demonstrated potential in reducing age-related diseases in humans.⁶ Clinical Trials Gov. Metformin in Longevity Study (MILES). Source These medical trials represent the pioneering frontiers of research, aiming to bring us one step closer to achieving the ultimate goal of healthy aging.

It’s worth mentioning another key player that has recently joined the ranks of these clinical trials – Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).⁷ Yi, Lin et al. “The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial.” GeroScience vol. 45,1 (2023): 29-43. doi:10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1 PubMed Source This molecule, crucial in the production of a compound called NAD+ that is essential for cellular health and metabolism, has shown potential in preclinical studies to improve healthspan. Now, it’s in the limelight as it has made its way to human clinical trials. These studies aim to verify if the promising results demonstrated in laboratory settings can be replicated in humans, potentially providing another tool in our arsenal for enhancing healthspan. The incorporation of NMN into these trials signals a significant advancement in the field of longevity research, bringing us a step closer to the desired goal of not just living longer, but living healthier.

So, while the path to healthspan extension is intricate and challenging, the tireless efforts of researchers worldwide give us hope that enhancing the quality of our later years isn’t a mere fantasy, but a tangible future reality.

In the quest for longevity and improved healthspan, one tool stands out as remarkably effective yet entirely within our control, free and dont need any prescription – our lifestyle. While scientific breakthroughs and advanced medicines are indeed miraculous, the choices we make daily significantly determine our quality and length of life.

Eating balanced, nutritious meals, participating in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels are pillars of a healthy lifestyle. When adopted and maintained, these simple habits can work wonders on our bodies, keeping us energized, warding off diseases, and contributing to overall well-being.

For instance, consider the power of a healthy diet. Research indicates that embracing a nutritious diet early in life has the potential to extend one’s healthy lifespan by over a decade. ⁸ Fadnes LT, Økland JM, Haaland ØA, Johansson KA. Estimating impact of food choices on life expectancy: A modeling study. PLoS Med. 2022 Feb 8;19(2):e1003889. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003889. Erratum in: PLoS Med. 2022 Mar 25;19(3):e1003962. PMID: 35134067; PMCID: PMC8824353. PubMed Source Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures our body receives the essential nutrients it needs. This not only boosts our immunity but also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

And exercise is considered one of the most powerful intervention so far for prolonging healthspan and lifespan! Physical activity supports long life by benefiting all systems and organs in our bodies, and it also triggers various processes at the cellular level that promote longevity. The fitter you are, the lower your health risks become.

In fact, studies show that with each increase in physical fitness (measured in METs), the risk of all-cause mortality (death from any cause) and heart-related issues drops by 13% and 15%, respectively.⁹ Carapeto PV, Aguayo-Mazzucato C. Effects of exercise on cellular and tissue aging. Aging (Albany NY). 2021 May 13;13(10):14522-14543. doi: 10.18632/aging.203051. Epub 2021 May 13. PMID: 34001677; PMCID: PMC8202894. PubMed Source For instance, individuals with fitness levels greater than or equal to 7.9 METs were found to have a significantly lower risk of health issues compared to those with fitness levels less than 7.9 METs. To put it in perspective, achieving a higher fitness level can reduce your health risks nearly by half, making a compelling case for maintaining good fitness levels.

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and effective stress management—these are as essential to a healthy lifestyle as diet and exercise. By aiding in bodily repair, boosting cognitive functions, and maintaining mental health, they equip us to handle life’s challenges with resilience.

And let’s not forget the magic of optimism! A positive mindset doesn’t just make us feel better—it can actually add up to 8 years to our life. This is no whimsical claim, but a fact backed by scientific research.¹⁰ Lee LO, James P, Zevon ES, Kim ES, Trudel-Fitzgerald C, Spiro A 3rd, Grodstein F, Kubzansky LD. Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Sep 10;116(37):18357-18362. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1900712116. Epub 2019 Aug 26. PMID: 31451635; PMCID: PMC6744861. PubMed Source