longevity

Rapamycin may slow aging. Here's one way the drug will be tested

2:45pm July 01, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

Longevity researchers are taking a generic drug they think may help extend people's lives. Now a dentist is testing if rapamycin stops gum disease — a canary in the coal mine for age-related diseases.

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A large new study shows people who bike have less knee pain and arthritis than those who do not.

Like to bike? Your knees will thank you and you may live longer, too

5:01am May 20, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

New research shows lifelong bikers have healthier knees, less pain and a longer lifespan, compared to people who've never biked. This adds to the evidence that cycling promotes healthy aging.

Climbing stairs is a good way to get quick bursts of aerobic exercise, says cardiologist Dr. Carlin Long.

Elevator or stairs? Your choice could boost longevity, study finds

5:01am April 29, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

A new study shows people who are in the habit of climbing stairs are less likely to die from heart disease compared to those who don't. Stair climbers also had a slight boost in longevity.

A cheap drug may slow down aging. A study will determine if it works

5:01am April 22, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

Studies suggest people who take metformin for diabetes may be at lower risk for cancer, heart disease and dementia. Now researchers aim to test if it prevents age-related diseases in healthy people.

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Strength training is good for everyone, but women who train regularly get a significantly higher boost in longevity than men.

Women who do strength training live longer. How much is enough?

5:12am March 11, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

Strength training is good for everyone. But women who train regularly, reduce their risk of death from heart disease significantly. And here are 5 other hidden benefits of building muscle.

A plant-based diet is not just good for your health, it's good for the planet.

This diet swap can cut your carbon footprint and boost longevity

7:00am March 03, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

A new study finds swapping half of your typical red meat intake for plant protein, reduces your diet-related carbon footprint by 25% and may also your boost lifespan.

Building strength and staying active are secrets to healthy aging shared by NPR's readers.

Health & Safety

We asked. You answered. Here are your secrets to healthy aging

4:06pm February 10, 2024

by Andrea Muraskin

NPR asked our audiences to share their hard-won wisdom. We heard from more than 1,000 people, aged 16 to 103! Here's a roundup of your best advice for thriving as you age.

How to live better, longer. Can science help slow down aging.

Scientists can tell how fast you're aging. Now, the trick is to slow it down

7:37pm January 29, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

Longevity research is booming. Scientists are looking for ways to target the basic biology of aging. And here's the exciting part: Our biological age appears to be malleable.

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People who use hearing aids to restore hearing have a 24% lower risk of death, compared to people who don't use hearing aids, a new study finds.

Hearing aids may boost longevity, study finds. But only if used regularly

5:00am January 04, 2024

by Allison Aubrey

Roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. have hearing loss, but most don't use hearing aids. This increases the risk of social isolation, physical and cognitive decline and may lead to premature death.

A person writing in notebook at desk, sharing their secrets to aging well.

Health & Safety

What are your secrets to thriving as you age? We want to hear from you

2:38pm December 18, 2023

Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, we all notice the effects of getting older. What are you doing now to set yourself up for a long and healthy life? Share your story and advice.