Secrets of Earth's centenarians: a biologist shares insights on how to extend lifespan. Discover the key factors that contribute to longevity.

From the longest-living carrion spider in Australia to the ancient Greenland shark in the Arctic, nature showcases remarkable traits of longevity. The extended lifespans of these creatures are often attributed to their unhurried lifestyles, stable habitats, and consistent daily routines. This isn't just about adhering to such a regimen for a few years; it spans decades and even centuries. However, some of their characteristics are also found in humans, which may hold the key to longevity, as noted by Forbes.

One Australian carrion spider lived for 43 years within a single burrow, subsisting on a modest diet of small insects. The Greenland shark, the longest-living vertebrate, can live for about 500 years, residing in the cool depths of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, where a slow metabolism and targeted hunting help conserve energy, explains biologist Scott Travers.

Drawing parallels between these beings and human longevity, Dan Buettner and Sam Skemp conducted research on "blue zones," which provide insights into the lifestyles of centenarians. These regions have an extraordinarily high number of individuals who reach 100 years or more, including Okinawa in Japan and Sardinia in Italy. Common traits among these populations include a plant-based diet, daily physical activity integrated into their routines, and strong social connections.

Travers also reminds us that practices such as stress reduction, a sense of purpose, and religious activities contribute to increased longevity. Historical records, such as the story of Jeanne Calment, the world's oldest person who lived to 122 years, highlight the importance of personal routines in achieving longevity. Calment led a simple yet active life, engaging in light physical exercise daily, maintaining a balanced diet, and allowing herself small indulgences like chocolate and port wine. Despite her unconventional habits, such as smoking, she practiced both regularity and moderation.

Similarly, Violet Brown from Jamaica attributed her 117 years to a protein-rich diet and avoidance of processed foods, while George Johnson, an American who lived to 112, challenged conventional dietary recommendations by preferring sausages and waffles. Beyond biology and habits, cultural traditions offer additional insights. For instance, the concept of "ikigai" in Japan represents a purposeful and meaningful life, contributing to mental well-being—a key factor in the health of "blue zone" populations, explains Travers.

Research indicates that environments that promote mobility, social interaction, and limited exposure to pollutants also enhance the chances of living a long life. Reducing calorie intake, but without malnutrition, may also slow aging and extend the lifespan of various organisms—from yeast to primates, scientists have discovered. Such practices, akin to the restrained diets of centenarians and long-lived animals, underscore the universal significance of moderation in science and our health.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a doctor.