Column | Haims: We have the tools to boost longevity
Since the beginning of mankind, death most often arrived without warning. Early on in our evolution, we lived in a world dominated by predators, injuries, infections and food scarcity. Life expectancy was thus quite low. Now, however, humans possess the extraordinary ability to predict and prevent many of the health threats that impact how long we live. The problem is, too many of us choose not to be proactive in protecting our wellbeing and life expectancy.
In the modern world, our greatest threat to life expectancy has shifted. Now, depending upon our life choices, the three most common causes of early mortality are heart disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes — all of which are largely preventable.
Heart disease, the leading cause of death globally, is driven by factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and chronic stress. These (modifiable) lifestyle-related risks gradually damage the body over time, often without obvious symptoms until serious complications arise.
Fortunately, organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) freely share credible research and education with us about heart disease. Because most people don’t know, or understand, how easy it is to improve their heart health, the AHA developed Life’s Essential 8. Life’s Essential 8 focuses on early prevention by targeting the main risk factors before serious problems occur.
WHO, regularly publishes educational materials, reports and guidance about heart disease and health management interventions. Recently, they published a “fact sheet,” which provides some great information about what we can do to lower our risk of cardiovascular disease.
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While cancer, the second most prevalent threat to life expectancy, may be influenced by genetics and environmental exposures, tobacco, excess body weight and alcohol use are three main modifiable risk factors for cancer.
Data from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) indicates that, should we choose to educate ourselves, that nearly 40% of cancers are preventable, proving that small, smart choices can make a difference. The 2024 Cancer Progress Report explains in very simple terms how modifications in lifestyle can reduce our cancer risk.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity has risen sharply in recent decades. Although the most current data from the CDC was collected up until 2023, it estimates the percentage of the U.S. population over 18 affected with type 2 diabetes was about 15.8 %. If that is not shocking enough, it is worth noting that 27.6% of adults aged over 18 may be living with undiagnosed diabetes.
Unquestionably, this condition is closely tied to modern diets high in processed foods and sedentary lifestyles — both of which significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other complications that shorten lifespan. Fortunately, irrefutable data proves that risk is modifiable.
Advances in medicine, public health and technology have continued to extend our average life expectancy. Humans now not only live longer but also have a greater ability to detect and prevent disease, shifting the focus from mere survival to maintaining health and quality of life over time.
Like never before, research institutions worldwide are devoting substantial resources to aging research. Here are some of the leading research institutions within the United States that are addressing healthy aging:
The leading research institutions and organizations co-leading and partnering in the initiative include:
- UC San Diego: Stein Institute for Research on Aging offers free public lectures focused on healthy aging and longevity.
- Penn State: Center for Healthy Aging – focuses on cognitive decline.
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine: focuses on genetic research therapies that help people live longer.
- The Many Brains Project: researches brain scans from multiple studies to better understand how differences in brain structure and activity are linked to thinking, behavior and mental health. (Check out their free and comprehensive cognitive tests available online — part of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School).
- University of Southern California: Maps the genetics of how the brain ages, region by region. Using AI technology, they are learning about cellular and genetic mechanisms that cause different parts of the brain to age at different times.
Aging research is becoming more pervasive and education sources are becoming more prevalent because people are living longer, placing greater stains on our medical system. Should you be interested in learning more, please go to the Vail Daily online version of this article where I have provided hyperlinks to research from many organizations providing educational material and resources.
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
