Curiosity Weekly Why Scientists Can’t Agree on Aging
Jan 7, 2026
Dr. Paul Robbins, a professor and co-director at the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging, explores why aging remains a complex topic even for scientists. He discusses the intriguing health findings from the study of a 117-year-old woman and dives into cellular aging mechanisms like mitochondrial dysfunction. Robbins also outlines the genetic advantages of centenarians and why human lifespans may cap at around 115 years. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of healthspan—maximizing quality of life rather than merely extending years.
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Profile Of A 117-Year-Old
- Researchers profiled Maria Brañas-Morera, a 117-year-old supercentenarian, across genetics, proteins, metabolites, and microbiome.
- She had short telomeres but lacked major diseases and combined genes plus lifestyle likely supported her longevity.
Prioritize Small Daily Habits
- Prioritize everyday healthy habits like sleep, social ties, walking, gardening, and hobbies.
- These small grounding moments align with behaviors seen in long-lived individuals.
Aging As Failed Repair
- Aging is the progressive loss of tissues' ability to repair themselves over time.
- Multiple cellular hallmarks like mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage drive that decline.