Not everyone ages the same way. Some individuals remain relatively healthy most of their lives, while others may face several health challenges. Understanding why some people experience not just long lives, but also longer healthspans, is the focus of many longevity studies. Research does not yet have a definitive answer to this question, but some studies may have the potential to shape future understanding of what it means to both age and “age well.”
What is Longevity?
Longevity refers to having a long lifespan. It’s closely related to, but not synonymous with, life expectancy, or how long someone is expected to live. Global data shows that many people are living longer lives. Greater life expectancy does not necessarily correlate to more years without health concerns, however. In fact, many public health officials and other researchers note a disparity between human lifespan and healthspan, or how many years people can expect to live with relatively stable physical abilities and cognitive function. In other words, while many people are living longer, many are also living more years with some sort of chronic condition like Alzheimer’s disease or cardiovascular disease.
Longevity Studies: What They Tell Us About Aging
Many avenues of aging research are still in animal research stages or early clinical trials. However, their developing results contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the mechanisms of “healthy aging.”
Study of Adult Development
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is an 80-year-long gerontology study focused on identifying potential “psychosocial predictors of healthy aging.” Publications from the Study of Adult Development suggest that factors like maintaining social connections later in life and early-life experiences may be associated with aging patterns. Research is still ongoing, however, with the study now into its second generation; more data is needed to further explore how different individual and social factors can potentially influence physical and mental wellness.
Genetics & Lifestyle Factors
Current research examines how a combination of both non-modifiable risk factors, such as genetics, and modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity, may play a part in the biology of aging. Importantly, this research does not state that genetics alone can predict someone’s lifespan or that, by making certain lifestyle changes, someone may absolutely slow aging down and prevent age-related diseases. Simply put, current research does not imply that specific lifestyle choices guarantee particular outcomes. It may instead offer insight into how certain lifestyle habits and access to medical interventions can help support people in older ages.
Biological Clock
Everyone experiences the aging process differently. Two people could both be 65, but one person feels much younger and the other much older. Researchers often discuss the concept of biological age, or the age that the body appears to function at, to potentially explain the differences in experiences between two people of the same chronological age.
Determining biological age (a “biological clock”) is not an exact science, and research is still ongoing. One promising avenue of research, though, is through examining the biological clock of mice. Specifically, researchers used blood measurements from NIA and Jackson Laboratory mice to create a potential biological clock that future studies may inform future studies on biomarkers of aging in humans.
Living Each Day to the Fullest
Longevity studies provide critical data points to help caregivers, public health officials, and others make more informed decisions regarding health and well-being while aging. Avista senior living communities support residents’ journeys through research-backed wellness programs, mental stimulation, social engagement, and quality meals.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual’s health situation is unique. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to their personal health concerns.