“There is a person alive today that will live to be 150 years old,” predicts Steven N. Austad, Ph.D., professor of cellular and structural biology and member of the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies. He discussed his theory on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation,” aired July 8. The program included a discussion with Donald Kennedy, editor-in-chief of
Science Magazine, and included several of the magazine editors’ unsolved science questions.
One unsolved question required the expertise of Dr. Austad: How far can the human lifespan extend? Although Dr. Austad may never know if his 150-year lifespan prediction proves to be true, he knows it will extend to some degree, as well as the quality of the years during the life. “We’re starting to understand aging so thoroughly in animals that it is inconceivable to me that we’re not going to ultimately be able to understand the aging rate in humans.”
Caloric intake plays a major factor in the length of a human’s life. “There are a variety of genes that we’ve been able to change to extend life. But the treatment that seems to work across a series of species is the reduction of caloric intake,” Dr. Austad said. However, he noted that the biggest issue may be humans’ self-discipline to reduce their caloric intake.
Preliminary studies seem promising, but challenges arise when applying the tests to humans because the measurements are short-term. Many questions may not be answered during our lifetimes – the answers are something only time will tell.
To listen to the original program, visit:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4735603.
