41 studies
Research Library
Peer-reviewed papers from top journals, summarized and graded by evidence strength. Updated Mon, Wed & Fri.
We May Not Be Aging Slower. We're Just Starting Later.
A big question in longevity research is whether rising life expectancy means we're actually aging more slowly. This analysis of mortality data from 12 countries suggests the answer is no. After accounting for historical shocks like wars and pandemics, the rate at which aging accelerates after 80 hasn't changed. The gains in lifespan appear to come from pushing back when serious aging begins, not from slowing the process itself.
Centenarians Show a Distinct Metabolic Profile Tied to Bile Acids and NAD+
People who live past 100 have a unique metabolic fingerprint. In a study of 213 participants from the New England Centenarian Study, extremely long-lived individuals had higher levels of certain bile acids and lower levels of bilirubin compared to younger controls. Higher bile acid and steroid levels were linked to lower mortality risk. The researchers also built a "metabolomic clock" that estimates biological age, and deviations from it predicted death risk.
Frailty Triples Death Risk, and Exercise Alone May Not Fix It
Frail adults in South Korea had over three times the mortality risk compared to robust individuals over a 16-year follow-up. Pre-frail people also had about 70% higher risk. Meeting standard exercise guidelines (150 minutes per week) didn't independently lower death risk in pre-frail or frail individuals after accounting for other factors. Frail participants who met those guidelines actually had higher healthcare costs, suggesting generic exercise advice may not suit everyone.
Frailty Markers Predict 20-Year Death Risk in Older Chinese Adults
In about 4,000 older Hong Kong adults tracked for nearly two decades, frailty measures strongly predicted who would die and from what cause. Being frail was linked to a 66% higher risk of death compared to being fit. Adding blood-based markers like inflammation and kidney function to frailty scores slightly improved predictions. One surprise: none of the biological aging markers predicted cancer deaths specifically.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
Your Weekly Edge
Receive the latest longevity insights, exclusive event invites, and science-backed tips to help you live longer and thrive.
