The World as You’ll Know It: The Future Of Aging
Aventine
Human beings are living longer than ever. Thanks to advances like vaccines, antibiotics, pasteurized milk and clean water, we’ve added more than 30 years to the average lifespan over the last 120 years. That’s more than was added in the previous 10,000 years combined. More recently, enormous progress has been made in our treatment of deadly conditions like heart disease and cancer, with mortality rates for each dropping by double digits. Now science is tackling a new challenge: Can we cure aging itself? In pursuit of this holy grail, longevity research has gone from a sleepy backwater to a multi billion dollar field, populated — yes — by plenty of hucksters, but also by Nobel laureates. The goal is to find out what causes us to age and what we can do to slow it down, or maybe even reverse it altogether. Could tweaking the right molecule buy us 20 more years, or are we maxed out? Can older brains be re-wired to function like younger brains? Do any so-called biohacks actually work? These are some of the questions we are tackling in this season of The World as You’ll Know It: The Future of Aging. With leading scientists in the fields of biology, neuroscience and medicine, we’ll look at the cutting-edge of aging research and what living longer could mean for all of us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 1, 2025 • 34min
Getting the Most From Our Extra 30 Years
For over a century, we’ve been in the midst of a revolution in longevity – one that is unprecedented in human history. More than a quarter century has been added to the average lifespan since the 1900s. How should individuals and society make the most of this time? How can we rethink education, careers, healthcare, and retirement in light of our longer lives? In the season finale of The World As You’ll Know It: The Future of Aging, we speak with psychologist Laura Carstensen and economist Andrew J. Scott about what it will take to maximize those extra 30 years we’ve gained – not just in old age, but throughout our lifetimes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 24, 2025 • 33min
How to Be a Super Ager, with Eric Topol
Dr. Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist and author of 'Super Agers,' delves into the science of healthy aging. He uncovers the surprising impact of sleep, exercise, and diet, particularly the Mediterranean diet, on longevity. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of social engagement and mental health in aging well. Topol demystifies common longevity myths, advocating for informed health choices while shedding light on environmental factors like pollution. He emphasizes the urgent need for societal adaptation to the increasing human lifespan.
Jun 17, 2025 • 34min
Why Women Live Longer Than Men
Women tend to live longer than men, even under the most difficult conditions like famines and epidemics. While it’s true that women tend to go to the doctor more and engage in less risk-prone activities, behavior alone doesn’t explain this phenomenon. In this episode, demographer Virginia Zarulli tells us about the implications of the startling fact that, in times of extreme hardship, it is often infant girls outliving infant boys that contributes most to the gap in longevity. Neurologist Dena Dubal, who has spent years studying the influence of the second X chromosome that females carry, explains how research into how women age will benefit men, too. And neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi talks about the impact of sex hormones on aging and why women are disproportionately susceptible to certain age-related diseases. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 10, 2025 • 36min
Why Haven’t We Solved Alzheimer’s?
We’ve known about Alzheimer’s and its devastating effects for more than 100 years, and have been predicting an imminent cure for at least the last 25. So why is it that after so many years of research and unrelenting loss, we’re not further along in our progress towards a cure? In this episode we consult three experts who have dedicated much of their lives to understanding this question. Neurobiologist Karl Herrup is the author of “How Not To Study a Disease: The Story of Alzheimer’s.” Charles Piller is a journalist who spent years researching the scandals that recently rocked the Alzheimer’s community. Donna Wilcock is a neurologist who has been studying Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia for decades, and is also the editor-in-chief of the official journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Together they help explain where we went wrong, and suggest where we might look next in our search for a cure. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 31min
We’re Underestimating Older Brains
In this episode, Rachel Wu, a psychology professor focused on motivating older adults, and Cindy Lustig, a neuroscientist exploring brain changes with age, reveal surprising insights about the aging brain. They discuss how older individuals can enhance cognitive functions through lifelong learning and social activities. The duo also highlights the relationship between age and wisdom, addressing how older people often possess greater insights. Together, they challenge misconceptions about cognitive decline, advocating for a shift in perspective on aging and learning.
May 27, 2025 • 36min
The Truth About Biohacking
In this engaging discussion, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Venki Ramakrishnan and epidemiologist Daniel Belsky delve into the world of biohacking. They explore the science and hype behind methods like caloric restriction, rapamycin, and metformin for extending lifespan. Belsky shares insights on his innovative blood test that reveals biological aging, offering a new perspective on how quickly our bodies age. Together, they shed light on the balance between scientific research and the booming biohacking industry, urging caution amidst the excitement.
May 20, 2025 • 35min
The Billion Dollar Bet: Will Humans Live to 150?
Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning structural biologist, dives into the intricate science of aging and the ongoing bet between biologist Steve Austad and biostatistician Jay Olshansky about whether a person will live to 150 by 2150. The discussion touches on fundamental questions of lifespan limits, groundbreaking research on ribosomes and genetics, and the potential for biotech innovations to not just prolong life but enhance its quality. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of longevity and the mysteries of human aging.
May 19, 2025 • 3min
Introducing: The Future of Aging
Discover how advancements in healthcare have dramatically increased our lifespans, adding over 30 years in just the past century. Explore the fascinating world of longevity research, where leading scientists aim to tackle aging itself. Can altering specific molecules really extend our lives by decades? Dive into the potential for revamping older brains to perform like younger ones and uncover whether popular biohacks are effective. This journey into the future of aging unveils both breakthroughs and myths in our quest to redefine longevity.
4 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 26min
Can We Pull Carbon Out of the Air?
Exploring the urgent need for innovative technologies to combat climate change, experts discuss direct air capture (DAC) as a pivotal solution. They delve into the technology's evolution, from early skepticism rooted in the oil industry to recent advancements. Challenges abound, including high energy demands and financial hurdles, yet community involvement is crucial for progress. The conversation also highlights the importance of economic incentives and the potential for a transformative shift towards carbon-free energy solutions.
4 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 22min
Has the Moment for Hydrogen Finally Arrived?
Rachael Fahkry is a policy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, while Jason Mortimer represents Electric Hydrogen. They dive into hydrogen's pivotal role in decarbonizing industries like steel and challenge its historical failures. Listeners learn about green hydrogen’s journey from hopeful promise to economic viability, contrasting visions on its use, and the ongoing technological advancements that could redefine energy production. The conversation also addresses the risks of transitioning to hydrogen amid regulatory hurdles and highlights exciting pilot projects.
