5 Secrets From Longevity Experts for a Longer Life

We all want to live longer, healthier lives, and who better to look to for guidance than longevity experts themselves? When at the cutting edge of aging research, these experts have personally implemented a range of strategies to boost their own life expectancy. Below are just a few of the exceptional ways they’re pursuing longevity, and they just might work for you too.

Give Blood Every Two Months

Thomas Perls, a longevity researcher at Boston University Medical Center, suggests that giving blood regularly, perhaps every two months, might extend your life. The reasoning behind this is that when you donate blood, you reduce the iron in your body, potentially delaying specific aging processes. While there is no definitive research supporting this idea, it’s worth considering, especially when you factor in the added benefit of helping others in need of blood transfusions.

Moderate Calorie Intake

Diet is undeniably a significant factor in our overall health and well-being, so it’s no surprise that longevity experts have firm ideas on the matter. Mark Mattson, a researcher at the National Institute on Aging, recommends consuming about 2,000 calories a day for optimal health. He believes that restricting calories and feeling hungry occasionally keeps the body healthier. Several studies have shown a link between calorie restriction and an increased life span, and if 2,000 calories sounds restrictive, it’s worth noting that the average American consumes well over that number every day. Scaling back to 2,000 calories may be a relatively easy and effective way of promoting longevity.

Adopt a Low Glycemic Diet

Cynthia Kenyon, a geneticist at the University of California–San Francisco, closely monitors her blood sugar and adheres to a low-glycemic diet to stay healthy. This involves avoiding starchy, high-sugar foods like pasta, bread, potatoes, and rice, which can cause blood sugar spikes and potentially increase your risk of developing health issues like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that low-glycemic diets can lead to overall health improvements, so it might be worth giving this approach a try.

Take Resveratrol

David Sinclair, a professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School, believes that taking resveratrol supplements can assist in combating the aging process. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in red wine, grapes, and certain berries, is thought to activate enzymes that protect against aging. While results are still inconclusive in human trials, resveratrol has shown promising effects in laboratory animal studies, and there is potential for it to become an effective anti-aging treatment.

Embrace Humor

Felipe Sierra, a longevity researcher at the National Institute on Aging, admits that while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to preventing aging, embracing humor and enjoying life every day might just be the best medicine. Laughter has numerous health benefits, reducing stress, boosting immune function, and even burning calories. So, maybe cracking a smile and finding joy in the little things might be a critical step in extending your lifespan.

Considerations for your Longevity Journey

It’s essential to keep in mind that each expert emphasized that there isn’t enough research to solidly recommend the measures they’ve personally embraced for the general public. Some of these strategies may work better for some people than others, and the efficacy of such measures likely depends on a wide range of variables, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

Nonetheless, what is clear is that taking steps to prioritize your health and well-being can contribute to a longer and more enjoyable life. Start by doing something as simple as eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, or establishing a good sleep routine, and work your way up to other potentially life-extending strategies. Most importantly, remember to consult with healthcare professionals and do your research before making changes to your routine. As you embark on the journey toward a longer life, be patient, and find what works for you – and, of course, don’t forget to laugh along the way.