Tag Archives: lifespan

Killing Us Softly (and Early): Chronic Stress and America’s Life Expectancy Crisis

November 12, 2023

Life expectancy is a key indicator of a nation’s health and well-being. However, despite having similar resources to other developed countries, life expectancy has seen a concerning decline in America. Most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals U.S. life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years, the shortest in nearly two decades.

When compared with other high-income countries, the United States falls short. Premature deaths have reached historically high rates, and the U.S. has among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among its counterparts.

Physicians and public health experts have identified chronic stress as not just a significant contributing factor to this life expectancy crisis but also a societal epidemic.

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Rapamycin for Longevity: The Anti-Aging Miracle Drug?

November 24, 2022

Although the human lifespan has increased over recent decades, the human health-span has been unable to keep pace. While we are living longer due to scientific advancements, the number of years we spend without age-related diseases has not increased proportionately.

Lifestyle interventions often recommended too late in life tend not to be sufficient to prevent, halt, or reverse age-related decline. Research scientists are increasingly focusing on potential pharmaceutical interventions to combat the negative aspects of aging. One pathway of exploration aims to repurpose existing medications for geroprotection and is proving remarkably successful in early trials.

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Longevity and Alcohol: Exploring The Complex Connection

November 18, 2022

Even though drinking alcohol is common among the population, current research has not provided a definitive answer as to the health benefits and consequences of drinking alcohol. On the one hand, drinking alcohol has been repeatedly discussed in scientific papers as protective against certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and light-to-moderate alcohol intake has even been related to reduced mortality risks. On the other hand, several studies suggest that even moderate amounts of alcohol can have a detrimental impact on health, and in most cases, the substance causes more harm than good.

The complexity of the risk relationship between alcohol, health, and longevity continues to confuse patients and clinicians and remains a subject of intense research and controversy. There are very few studies available on the connection between alcohol and longevity, but emerging scientific findings aim to add to the body of knowledge and outline the adverse effects of alcohol on biological aging.

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