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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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.
insights 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.
insights 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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In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Jay Olshansky, a leading professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and a renowned expert in aging and biodemography. Together, they delve into the science of longevity, exploring how public health advancements in the 20th century revolutionized life expectancy and what lies ahead in the quest to extend both lifespan and healthspan.
Dr. Olshansky unpacks the biological limits of human longevity, shedding light on why life expectancy gains are slowing despite medical advancements. He explains the interplay between genetics, lifestyle choices, and aging, emphasizing how societal factors like inequality and access to healthcare impact longevity outcomes. Key concepts like "life table entropy" reveal why breakthroughs in aging science are essential to push beyond the current boundaries.
Tune in to gain actionable insights on diet, exercise, and monitoring health—all crucial for maximizing healthspan, regardless of your genetic blueprint.
Guest-at-a-Glance
💡Name: S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D.
💡What he does: Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health
Longevity by Design 