My perspective on longevity
The quest for a longer, healthier life has always fascinated me, and scientific findings on longevity in the past decade have only deepened my interest. It's remarkable to see how far we've come in terms of understanding the intricate dance between genetics, environment, and lifestyle in shaping our lifespan.
The dramatic increase in average life expectancy since the 1900s is a testament to human ingenuity and progress. From improved sanitation to advanced medical care, we've overcome many of the obstacles that once cut lives short. But now that we routinely live into our 80s, the question is: what allows some people to live well beyond that threshold?
Lessons from centenarians
A study published on MedlinePlus caught my attention, revealing fascinating insights about centenarians. These individuals generally come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and professional paths. Some have led lives of privilege, while others have overcome significant hardships. This diversity suggests that longevity is determined by more than just external circumstances like the environment or wealth.?
An overwhelming majority of centenarians are non-smokers or quit the habit early in life, underscoring the profound impact of avoiding tobacco on long-term health outcomes. Additionally, centenarians tend to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. Interestingly, this doesn't always mean being thin and slender—some studies suggest that a slightly higher BMI at an older age might be protective . It's about balance and consistency.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing findings is centenarians' ability to manage stress. They're not immune to life's challenges, but they've developed resilience and coping mechanisms that serve them well. Strong social bonds also appear to be a common factor. Many centenarians maintain close relationships with family and friends, suggesting that social engagement plays a crucial role in longevity.?
According to the MedlinePlus report, it is estimated that only 25 percent of the variation in human lifespan is determined by genetics. This means choices we make every day have a profound impact on our longevity.
This is why at The Heart of Europe , we're taking these findings seriously. We're creating environments that naturally encourage these healthy lifestyle choices. From fitness facilities to tranquil spaces for relaxation and de-stressing, we're designing a community that supports longevity at every turn.
The six ages
While I deeply value the wisdom of centenarians in living well, I'm equally fascinated by the latest scientific advancements in health diagnostics. One such innovation that bridges traditional knowledge and cutting-edge research is the concept of "six ages". Instead of relying solely on chronological age, this approach considers multiple biological markers to assess different aspects of ageing. These include measures of overall physical functioning, metabolic health, cellular ageing, immune system resilience, and cognitive function. Each of these "ages" provides unique insights into various facets of our health, painting a more comprehensive picture.
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Chronological age, simply the number of years since birth, is just the starting point. Biological age estimates how well your body is functioning compared to your chronological age, while metabolic age is a measure of your basal metabolic rate compared to others of your chronological age. Cellular age assesses the length of your telomeres, which are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. Immune age evaluates your immune system's effectiveness and resilience, and brain age estimates cognitive function and brain health compared to standard chronological age values.
These different “ages” provide unique insights into various aspects of overall health and vitality. The divergence between biological age and chronological age underscores a profound truth: ageing is not a uniform process. Our bodies are complex systems, each part ageing at its own pace, influenced by a myriad of factors—genetics, environment, lifestyle, and even mental state.
This realisation is empowering; it suggests that through mindful living, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and cognitive engagement, we can potentially slow down or even reverse certain aspects of ageing. The idea that we have some control over our biological destiny is tremendously exciting.
As more people take charge of their well-being, we'll likely see a shift in societal norms and expectations around ageing. The concept of 'retirement age' might evolve as people remain vital and engaged well into their later years. This could lead to new models of lifelong learning, flexible career paths, and intergenerational collaboration that could reshape our communities and economies. The possibilities are indeed exciting.?
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. I hope that it has provided you with insight into my thoughts on longevity and the fascinating possibilities it holds for our future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Josef Kleindienst, the founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, is an Austrian entrepreneur who is breaking the barriers of "what's possible" and envisioning a better world at The Heart of Europe. Josef innovates, invents, and is bringing to life dream island destinations which go beyond real estate brick and mortar to champion engineering marvels, sustainable ecosystems, global foreign direct investments, and never-seen-before experiences.
With more than 38 years of experience in building a real estate empire, Josef is spearheading one of the world’s most innovative projects currently under development: The Heart of Europe pe, a $6 billion USD sustainable six-island dream destination within the UAE's World Islands.?
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