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Richard Faragher, a professor of biogerontology at the University of Brighton in the UK, stated that there are two main theories explaining the phenomenon of longevity. These theories are not mutually exclusive.
First, he said, some people are essentially just lucky. In other words, the fact that centenarians have certain habits doesn’t mean those habits are what determine their long life (a logical fallacy known as the “survivorship bias”).
“Just because you survived smoking 60 cigarettes a day doesn’t mean that smoking 60 cigarettes a day is good for you,” Professor Faragher remarked.
The second theory, according to him, is that centenarians possess certain genetic traits that allow them to live longer than others. In other words, they are more resilient due to their genetics.
According to the professor, both theories serve as a cautionary tale: “Never, ever take health and lifestyle advice from a centenarian!”
Why You Shouldn’t Listen to Longevity Advice
Professor Faragher noted that most centenarians “don’t exercise much.” Their diets are often unhealthy, and some are even heavy smokers.
“This contradicts much of the epidemiological data we have regarding how to extend healthy lifespan,” the scientist said. He added that scientific evidence shows that “quitting smoking, exercising, moderate alcohol consumption, and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day can increase lifespan by 14 years.”
The researcher pointed out that the fact that centenarians engage in numerous unhealthy behaviors and simply go with the flow suggests that they are either lucky or generally very well genetically endowed.
Professor Faragher emphasized that one of the issues is that when studying centenarians, researchers tend to focus on what may have helped them survive, while neglecting the factors that could have hindered their survival, as reported by The Guardian.
The Race for a Long Life
According to gerontologists, there are well-known factors that help extend lifespan at the population level, such as improved healthcare and hygiene.
“About 100 years ago, scientists began to observe a significant increase in lifespan, which was due to a decrease in child mortality,” said David Sinclair, CEO of the International Longevity Center. He added that this was primarily due to the introduction of vaccinations and clean water.
In recent years, researchers studying the longevity of older adults have noted the significant role of improved vaccines for flu and shingles, statins, and other medications.
At the same time, researchers believe that for people to live longer, governments need to take certain measures. A significant portion of the population lives in conditions that do not promote exercise, good nutrition, and cleanliness.
However, even if a person lives to be a hundred, it doesn’t necessarily mean their life is filled with balloons and celebratory cakes with candles. According to Professor Sinclair, while news about centenarians is often quite optimistic, it frequently turns out that such individuals face challenges, such as the necessity of living alone for many years.
“Reality is not always as positive as it seems,” the researcher noted.
