Genetics

Do you know how long you’re likely to live? While that may seem like a strangely morbid question, in today’s world it has practical relevance for so many plans and decisions faced by everyone growing older. Those plans- Should I retire soon? Have I saved enough money for my retirement?…

There’s no doubt that our population is aging. And as a larger percentage of us get older, it’s important to understand how we can prolong our cognitive abilities and protect our brains from the ravages of dementia. After all, age is the major risk factor for Alzheimer’s, and projections are…

A little less than a year ago we spotlighted research results from the CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) Trial, a research study looking at the effects of calorie reduction on the biology of aging. The study results at that time suggested that calorie…

You’ve likely met them before, or perhaps you are even one of them: Able to recall vivid details from events long in the past, constantly on the prowl to read new books and learn new information, even playing a robust game of tennis at an age that most of us…

It’s one of the most dreaded screening tests recommended for patients. In fact, you may remember that a recent survey found that the only thing worse for people than a colonoscopy was talking to relatives about the end of life! And yet colonoscopies indisputably save lives that would otherwise have…

If given the choice, most of us would likely opt for a longer life. But is this an actual choice? Aren’t the lengths of our lives largely predetermined by our genetic makeup? As it turns out, genetics is but one element when it comes to your longevity- your environment and…