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Longevity
Panelists
Quick Facts
Transcript
Ask Your Doctor
Key Point 1
Key Point 2
Key Point 3
Resources
Medical Glossary
Quick Facts

  • The oldest confirmed recorded age for any human (Jeanne Calment) is 122 years, though some people are reported to have lived longer.

  • Genetics are critical to long lives, but the best data shows that only about one-third of longevity is due to genes. 

  • There is no test that will predict how long you will live.

  • There is no pill that will increase longevity. 

  • There is no specific diet plan that has been scientifically tested in humans to increase longevity (maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding foods that are bad for you can help prevent certain diseases). 

  • There is no magic procedure that will increase longevity.

  • Obesity contributes to the rise of cancers, heart disease and diabetes, and as it becomes more pervasive in the U.S., some predict that life expectancy may actually decrease by 2 to 5 years. 

  • Cigarette smoking remains the single most preventable cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Quitting can increase life expectancy, lower the risk of heart disease, and improve lung function and blood circulation.
 
 
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