Lifeextending

Lifeextending refers to activities, interventions, and technologies aimed at increasing human lifespan or healthspan—the portion of life spent in good health. The field covers everyday health practices, medical treatments, and emerging biotechnologies. It focuses on not only longer life but also quality of life in later years, balancing potential benefits with risks and practical considerations.

Common lifeextending strategies include lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting harmful substances, and obtaining adequate sleep. In medicine, the emphasis is on preventive care, vaccination, and the management of chronic diseases to reduce acute risks and maintain function. Experimental approaches studied in research span caloric restriction or intermittent fasting, pharmacological candidates like metformin or rapamycin, senolytic drugs that target aging-related cellular damage, and NAD+ precursors. Regenerative medicine and organ replacement, including stem cell therapies and tissue engineering, also contribute to extending functional longevity. Advances in genomics, biomarkers, and digital health tools support monitoring and personalized strategies.

Evidence for substantial life extension in humans remains limited, and results for healthspan vary. Many interventions show promise in animal models or early human studies, but long-term safety, efficacy, and equitable access require further research and robust regulation. Ethical and societal considerations include ensuring fair access, addressing potential impacts on demographics and health disparities, and maintaining clear risk–benefit assessments.