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For centuries, the world’s most powerful figures have tried to cheat death.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells of a king’s desperate attempt to outwit mortality. China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, obsessed with living forever, financed expeditions for a mythical “Elixir of Life,” only to die at 49 from mercury poisoning.

Fast-forward a few thousand years, and the hunt for longevity remains just as feverish. But instead of kings and emperors, today’s seekers are billionaires and biotech firms, replacing spells and potions with labs and artificial intelligence (AI).

If the nearly 6,000 longevity studies published last year on PubMed are any indication, we’re trying harder than ever — and getting closer than ever.

There’s big money at stake. Research suggests that slowing aging by one year could add $38 trillion in economic value, while a 10-year life extension could be worth $367 trillion.

From obesity drugs like Ozempic that lower heart disease risk to breakthroughs in cellular aging, longevity research is making real strides. As Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, former scientific director at the National Institute on Aging, put it, “This science is extremely promising.”

The latest research

Life expectancy has increased by over 300% since the late 1800s, but some researchers believe we’re just getting started.

Biotech firm Medtronic suggests that, in theory, a disease-free human body could reach 150 years. Among other things, the company is developing AI-driven tools to detect early signs of disease and predict progression before symptoms appear.

Some researchers believe the first 150-year-old human has already been born. Harvard geneticist David Sinclair and others are exploring ways to reset the epigenome — the molecular switches that turn genes on and off.

Early experiments suggest this process can reverse aging in lab mice, raising hopes that similar techniques may help humans combat age-related diseases.

Ferrucci says one of the biggest breakthroughs in longevity science has been recognizing that aging itself is the root cause of most chronic diseases.

Scientists have since developed biological clocks that measure aging through DNA markers and cellular wear, leading to experimental anti-aging treatments like senolytics, which help clear out old, dysfunctional cells.

Another promising drug, rapamycin, appears to slow aging in animals, but its immune-suppressing effects make it controversial for humans.

Yet, a key issue remains: Extending lifespan is meaningless if it doesn’t provide better health. That’s why Ferrucci calls longevity a “false objective.”

What you can do today

Modern research confirms what we’ve known for decades: Basic healthy habits work.

A 2023 study of 276,000 U.S. veterans found that adopting eight key habits — including a healthy diet, exercise, quality sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol — could add up to 24 years to a person’s life.

Ferrucci calls these classic preventive measures “a magic pill.” Ignoring them, he notes, shortens life expectancy, a fact backed by decades of research.

However, some point to supercentenarians (those who live past 100) who claim to have survived on things like whiskey and bacon, fueling the argument that longevity is all about getting lucky in the genetics lottery.

It’s true that genetics play a role. But studies suggest lifestyle choices determine 70% to 80% of lifespan.

Beyond diet and exercise, new longevity strategies are gaining traction. Cold therapies including cryotherapy and cold plunges have been linked to reduced inflammation and the activation of longevity-related proteins.

A long-term Finnish study found that regular sauna use was associated with a 40% lower mortality rate from cardiovascular disease.

Another promising approach is intermittent fasting and caloric restriction, which triggers autophagy — the body’s natural process of clearing damaged cells. This could potentially slow aging and reduce disease risk.

However, researchers recommend that those with eating disorders, diabetes or other conditions avoid intermittent fasting, as well as people over 65.

Reduce stress, loneliness

While we may not all reach 150, we have more control over aging than we once thought — and you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to take advantage of what actually works.

Research consistently finds that one of the strongest predictors of both lifespan and healthspan is social connection.

One of the biggest yet often overlooked factors in aging is stress, which is often caused by social isolation.

“One thing people don’t think about is stress avoidance. People exposed to mistreatment or social stress tend to age faster,” Ferrucci said.

“As a source of stress, it’s becoming clear that loneliness is one of the most significant factors in accelerated aging,” he added.

Good relationships don’t just help people live longer. They make those years worth living.

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.