Longevity

Centenarians are exceptional in that they avoided the diseases, stresses, and misfortunes that claimed the lives of others in their generation. To truly understand how to extend life, it's more useful to study the reasons why most people don't reach 100, and address those factors, rather than focusing on those who may have simply been fortunate in terms of lifestyle or genetics.

A recent study has found that chemicals in food packaging, plastics, lotions, and shampoos are linked to numerous heart disease deaths. Phthalates, synthetic chemicals in consumer products, may have caused over 13% of heart disease deaths worldwide in 2018 among people aged 55-64.

A study suggests that watching TV for over two hours daily may decrease the likelihood of aging healthily. The research involved surveying 45,000 female nurses who were 50 years of age or older in 1992 and free from chronic illnesses. It asked about their sedentary and active behavior at home and work, as well as their general well-being.

New research suggests that an upbeat view towards life might increase your odds for longevity.  The findings come from a study looking at optimism and longevity among nearly 1,400 men and 70,000 women.  The current study builds on previous research which linked higher levels of an optimistic view to reduced risks of premature death and chronic illness.

Receptors typically associated with detecting flavors on the tongue have been identified in areas of the body, including the intestines, stomach, airways, and pancreas. A recent study has found that when these taste receptors are activated by sweet substances, they can significantly influence the contraction of heart muscles.