Episode Details

Episode 3

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy hosts Dr. Tom Perls, a leading expert in human exceptional longevity. They discuss Dr. Perls' journey into gerontology, the New England Centenarian Study, and the factors contributing to exceptional longevity. The conversation covers the genetic and environmental influences on aging, the role of centenarians in understanding longevity, and practical advice for living a centenarian-like life.

Keywords

longevity, centenarians, aging, health, resilience, exceptional aging, gerontology, aging research, genetics, healthspan

Takeaways

• Dr. Tom Perls shares his journey into gerontology and exceptional longevity.
• The New England Centenarian Study is the largest study of centenarians and their families.
• Centenarians often defy the expectation that older age equates to poorer health.
• The majority of centenarians are female, with unique resilience against age-related diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors both play significant roles in longevity.
• The concept of 'escapers' who avoid age-related diseases is explored.
• Dr. Perls introduces the 'Sageing' acronym for healthy aging practices.
• Lifestyle choices can influence longevity and healthspan.
• The potential for future therapeutics to extend life is discussed.
• Avoid smoking and anti-aging quackery for better health.
• Optimism about aging can motivate healthier choices.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Original artwork composed of rolled magazine pages, Bali, Indonesia

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Longevity and Exceptional Aging

01:07 Dr. Perls’ Journey into Gerontology and Exceptional Longevity

05:57 Defining Exceptional Longevity

08:49 Gender Differences in Centenarians14:50 The Centenarian Boom and Population Trends

19:53 Stratifying Centenarians: Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers

25:28 Genetics vs. Environment in Longevity32:23 Becoming Centenarian-like

37:07 The SAGEING framework for Healthy Aging

45:40 Anti-aging Quackery

48:23 Future of Longevity Science

52:41 Lesson from Centenarians