Hey there, Furtherites. Yes, you’re right … this issue is a day late, thanks to the long Memorial Day weekend in the States. And for once, I actually took the whole weekend off, so there you have it.
We’ve touched on the accelerating science of longevity several times lately, along with the vast sums of money chasing various anti-aging solutions. It’s easy to get cynical about the latest venture capital land grab, but recent developments show that this is more than hype.
As you know from past issues, it’s not the aging process that kills you, it’s the diseases that arise from aging. That’s why the emphasis of many emerging treatments (such as gene therapy) attack these effects of aging first.
The money in Silicon Valley, however, is thinking bigger:
- The big goal of the Silicon Valley titans is not to extend longevity by beating back cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or any of the other diseases that most of us succumb to. Rather it’s to use molecular biology to decode the very mechanics behind the process that is the biggest single risk factor in all of these diseases—the process of aging itself—and to attempt to halt it in its tracks. In recent years, researchers have made undeniable strides in decoding the cellular processes that go awry as we age.
Even without longevity science, life spans have continued to extend. More importantly, the quality of that extended life span has been increasing as well:
- The largest increase in healthy years after age 65 came in the last decade. Americans in 2010 could expect to live 80 percent of their lives without major disability, including well over half of their years after age 65.
Despite the amazing advances in medical technology, most of the credit for our longer lives comes from better nutrition and hygiene, plus things like vaccines, the elimination of leaded gasoline, and a decrease in smoking. Poorer areas of the world can benefit from these aspects of living in wealthy Western countries, which will again increase overall life spans.
Beyond that, it’s going to take new medical technology for us to live radically longer lives while remaining healthy. And despite the hype and money, the science is promising.
The important question is … what will you do with the extra time?
Keep going-
Brian Clark
Further
further: health
Waterlogged
Most of us have heard that our bodies need eight cups of water every day to stay healthy and hydrated. But some experts are pushing back on this rule, saying there is little science to back up the claim.
The Allergy Mystery
Ruslan Medzhitov thinks the leading theory of why people get allergies is wrong. Allergies are not simply a biological blunder. Instead, they’re an essential defense against noxious chemicals–a defense that has served our ancestors for tens of millions of years and continues to do so today.
A controversial theory may explain the real reason humans have allergies
Tabata Tomorrow
I can’t vouch for the app this page is peddling, but I’m going to try this quick high intensity interval workout tomorrow. See you in the emergency room.
Skip the gym do this 10 min exercise
further: wealth
What CEOs Want
As a CEO, I can vouch for the advice in this piece. Interestingly, developing these skills is also what you’d need to do to quit your job and eventually become a CEO yourself.
10 CEOs Answer The Question, What Are The Most Underrated Skills Most Employees Lack?
Performance Review Rally
Imagine your performance review was peppered with negative phrases like: John doesn’t communicate clearly; His work has been subpar the last two months; He doesn’t speak up during meetings and appears disinterested in the company. What would you do if you saw this?
How to Turn Negative Performance Review Phrases Into a 30%+ Raise
Word Swap
This is an interesting article that discusses how swapping simple words and phrases we are used to saying multiple times a day can reprogram the way we think about and view perceived obstacles that stand in the way of personal success.
5 Words And Phrases That Can Transform Your Work Life
further: wisdom
Thinking Too Much?
The research this article cites is entitled “Thinking too much: self-generated thought as the engine of neuroticism.” And yet for those of us who are constant over-thinkers and worriers, the new headline brings a smile. Just for a second, of course, but still.
New study reveals worriers and over-thinkers tend to have high IQs and are linked to creative genius
The Best Antidepressant
If you’ve struggled with depression at any point in your life, you’ve probably heard some well-meaning soul say “Just try to get some exercise, it’s good for your mood!” Annoyingly, they’re right — but that doesn’t make the advice easy to follow.
Depression-Busting Exercise Tips For People Too Depressed To Exercise
Intended Incentives
During British colonial rule of India, the government offered a reward for every dead cobra brought to officials due to overpopulation. Indian citizens dutifully complied and began breeding venomous snakes to kill and bring to the British. Whoops.
Creating Effective Incentive Systems: Ken Iverson on the Principles that Unleash Human Potential
further: sharing
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