I’ve been fascinated by the science of longevity ever since I watched Dan Buettner’s 2014 TED Talk, “How to live to be 100+.” He describes global regions called blue zones where most people enjoy good health well into old age. Now the latest science is focused on bringing that hearty longevity to the rest of the world.
The architects of a new program to “reboot” your biological age say that within a decade people who live into their 90s could feel as if they are in their 40s, thanks to new research on aging and longevity.
The book and accompanying app are called The Great Age Reboot, and they’re all about teaching good habits to maintain great health into old age. The idea isn’t just to live longer, but to live well and in good health, so that the prime of your life lasts much longer.
Respecting the dignity of the elderly
It’s wonderful to see leading scientists invest energy and resources into improving the lives of elderly people. The number of elderly people is rapidly growing, and Pope Francis has called for increased attention to their dignity and needs, even establishing a World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.
Hopefully the growing science of longevity will lead to happier, more fulfilling lives for many elderly people.
But what does this research mean for you, right now? Well, much of the research involves technologies that are still developing. But certainly there are things you can do now to incorporate the program’s suggestions.
Based on longevity research, here are a few recommendations:
- Prioritize time with friends and family
- Exercise and stay physically active
- Regularly make time for prayer and meditation
- Eat a serving of nuts several times a week
- Quit smoking and moderate alcohol intake
- Drink coffee or tea
- Attend church regularly
- Get enough sleep
Any small steps you take now will reap big rewards in your 70s, 80s, and 90s if you stay consistent.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t need much urging to spend more time sleeping and seeing my friends. So these recommendations very much improve our quality of life now, not just in the distant (or not so distant) future.
Here’s to a rested, social, and happy life, both now and in our golden years!
