Longevity by Design

How Long Can Humans Live? Insights from Dr. Jay Olshansky

16 snips
Feb 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. S. Jay Olshansky, a professor specializing in aging and biodemography, sheds light on the biological limits of human longevity. He reveals how advancements in public health have dramatically increased life expectancy, yet gains are slowing. The conversation dives into the intricate relationship between genetics and lifestyle choices, as well as societal factors affecting longevity. Dr. Olshansky emphasizes the importance of sustainable health practices over pharmaceutical fixes, offering practical tips for enhancing both lifespan and healthspan.
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INSIGHT

Early 20th Century Life Expectancy Gains

  • Early 20th-century life expectancy gains were mainly due to reduced infant mortality.
  • Public health measures like vaccines and antibiotics played a crucial role.
INSIGHT

Limits of Curing Diseases

  • Curing diseases adds limited years to life expectancy, as aging itself imposes a limit.
  • Even eliminating all diseases in 1990 would have only resulted in a life expectancy of around 90.
INSIGHT

Life Expectancy Slowdown

  • Life expectancy increases slow down as more people reach older ages due to an immutable force: aging.
  • This slowdown, or entropy, has been confirmed by recent studies across long-lived populations.
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