The expert on 'super aging' breaks down the science — and grift — in anti-aging
Cardiologist Eric Topol emphasizes that health span—living free from major age-related diseases—should be prioritized over mere lifespan, which often includes years of poor health. His research on 'Super Agers' revealed no significant genetic advantages, pointing instead to lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, social connection, and preventive care as key to healthy aging. While Topol champions AI's potential to predict and prevent disease, he warns against unproven anti-aging trends and urges reliance on evidence-based habits over hype.
- ▪The average American health span is 64, while average lifespan is 79, leaving a 15-year gap of poor health.
- ▪Topol's study of 'Super Agers' found no major genetic differences, indicating lifestyle plays a larger role than DNA.
- ▪The shingles vaccine may reduce Alzheimer's and dementia risk by 20-25% by supporting immune health.
- ▪AI tools like retinal scans could predict diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's decades in advance.
- ▪Topol cautions against unregulated anti-aging products like peptides and cold plunges due to lack of scientific evidence.
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Health The expert on 'super aging' breaks down the science — and grift — in anti-aging May 1, 20269:59 AM ET By Manoush Zomorodi , Phoebe Lett , Sanaz Meshkinpour SUPERAGING - ERIC TOPOL Listen · 48:42 48:42 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5770418/nx-s1-9751224" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Cardiologist Eric Topol says resistance training, not just exercise, is key to longevity. Capuski/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Capuski/Getty Images It's a strange moment for growing old. Longevity is a cultural obsession: Biohackers plunge into ice baths, influencers push peptides, and tech elites pour ungodly sums into chasing immortality.
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