Topic: longevity

Young Americans Die Earlier Than Just About Everybody; Why?

There’s very little to love in a new analysis of death rates in America compared to other wealthy, industrialized countries. But there is a lot to be surprised by. More »

Global Disease Report: The World Is Fat (And You Need More Fruit)

Well, shit — it’s not just Americans who are living longer but sicker lives, and it’s not just Western nations, either. The new Global Burden of Disease Report – a massive undertaking compiled by the World Health Organization using data from 50 countries over 20 years — found “a massive shift in global health trends,” at the root of which lies widespread obesity. And maybe lack of fruit. More »

We’re Living Longer, Sicker, As Unhealthy Lifestyles Trump Medical Advances

Everyone’s been writing about the new state-by-state health rankings released yesterday by the United Health Foundation. The best 5-word summary of the 2012 American Health Rankings might be “Americans are living longer, sicker.” It seems Gen X, Gen Y and the next few generations will be the first to grow up with both an expectation of obscene longevity and habits/unhealthy lifestyles that make us sicker, earlier, than any previous generation*. More »

Don’t Skip Your Morning Coffee–It May Help You Live Longer

Though Miley Cyrus seems pretty sold on the stuff, health advocates are always waffling about coffee–is it a miracle drug? Is it going to kill you? What does it all mean? But in a new (and giant) study published today in The New England Journal of Medicine, it seems that your morning cup of drip may help you reach retirement age and beyond. According to the study, it’s possible that drinking coffee helps you live longer. Or at least, the habits of being a coffee drinker might. More »

Fasting Twice A Week Might Boost Brain Health, But It’s Still Not A Smart Idea

Scientists are reporting that fasting one or two days a week can boost your brain health and increase longevity. While that sounds like a good recipe for an eating disorder, there are better ways to make sure your diet is good for the brain and body than starving yourself every few days. More »

Clearing Out Old Cells Combats Aging In Mice; Will It Work For Us?

Want to prevent wrinkles, muscle loss and eye problems as you age? Just flush out your body’s old cells. Okay, okay, that’s not quite possible yet. But it could be a possibility in the not-so-distant future, thanks to new research from the Mayo Clinic. More »

New Study Shows Why Calorie Restriction Slows Aging

Can cutting way back on calories for the rest of your life help make that life longer and healthier? Researchers have suspected so since the 1930; studies in animals, fungi and humans have shown promising results; and books like The Longevity Diet: Discover Calorie Restriction have become bestsellers. Now, a team of Swedish researchers has discovered a new reason why this diet might work: Calorie restriction helps stop the deterioration of peroxiredoxin, an enzyme in our bodies that’s essential for preventing age-related health decline. More »

Anti-Aging Drugs Could Have You Seeing 150th Birthday

The first drugs that will successfully slow the aging process should be available within five to 10 years, Australian researchers say. Between these drugs and stem cell therapies, the ability to extend human life to at least 150 years old isn’t far off. But medical technology could outpace the social and economic systems needed to support old old age—or even outpace other health developments necessary to make living longer short of miserable for most people. More »

Why Royal Jelly Should Be In Your Medicine Cabinet

Scientists have discovered the active component in royal jelly, a substance secreted by honey bees that’s sold as a human supplement or used in beauty products (it’s said to keep skin smooth, toned and elastic). This stuff is like the caviar of the honeybee world: Secreted by worker bees, it’s given only to the Queen and larvae that have been selected to potentially become queen. The jelly—or, scientists now know, a single protein in it called royalactin—causes otherwise normal young honeybees to get bigger, develop ovaries and live longer. More »

What We're Reading:

Attention, Wet Fish: A firm handshake, among other things, has been linked to a longer life. (via BBC News)

Health and Wellness: Good Friends Are Good for You

Recently, there’s been a glut of research giving credence to the lesson many learn the hard way in high school – being a loser sucks. Or, on the flip side, having a strong circle of friends has very real benefits. … More »