The science of longevity is evolving faster than ever. From biohacking to biomarkers, the language used in the world of healthspan and ageing can get overwhelming—even for those who actively follow the space. That’s why we created this curated glossary: a clean, simple, and essential reference of 120+ scientific terms that every longevity enthusiast, health optimizer, and curious learner should know.
Whether you’re diving into new research, tracking your biological age, experimenting with fasting, or just trying to optimise your lifestyle; this guide will help you understand the key terms that shape the longevity movement.
A
- Active Recovery – Low-intensity movement that supports muscle healing between workouts.
- Adaptogen – Natural substances that help the body adapt to stress.
- All-Cause Mortality – The overall chance of dying from any cause.
- Anti-Inflammatory – Something that lowers or prevents inflammation in the body.
- Autophagy – The body’s process of removing damaged cells and regenerating healthier ones.
- Awe – A deep feeling of wonder or admiration that enhances emotional well-being.
B
- Balance Training – Exercises that improve coordination and reduce the risk of falling.
- Biohacking – Making changes to biology through science and lifestyle to improve performance.
- Biological Age – A measurement of age based on biomarkers rather than chronological age.
- Bone Mineral Density – A measure of bone strength and risk of fractures.
- Breathwork – Conscious breathing exercises that help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Burnout – Mental or physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
C
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – A marker in the blood that indicates inflammation levels.
- Circadian Rhythm – The internal clock that governs sleep and wake cycles.
- Cognitive Reserve – The brain’s ability to cope with damage through learning and mental activity.
- Cold Plunge – Immersion in cold water to enhance recovery and reduce swelling.
- Cortisol – A hormone that plays a role in stress response and energy regulation.
- Caloric Restriction – Reducing calorie intake without malnutrition to potentially extend lifespan.
D
- Deep Sleep – The most restorative phase of sleep when the body undergoes repair.
- Digestive Health – The efficient functioning of the digestive system to absorb nutrients.
- Dopamine – A brain chemical involved in pleasure and motivation.
- Dynamic Stretching – Active stretches that prepare the body for movement.
E
- Eccentric Load – Muscle resistance during the lengthening phase of movement.
- Emotional Agility – Being flexible and aware in handling emotions.
- Endorphins – Chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain and create a sense of pleasure.
- Energy Balance – The relationship between calories consumed and used.
- Epigenetics – How lifestyle and environment influence gene activity.
- Eustress – Positive stress that promotes growth and motivation.
F
- Fascia – Connective tissue that supports muscles and organs.
- Fast Twitch Muscle – Muscle fibres used for fast and explosive movements.
- Fasting Window – A period when no food is eaten during an intermittent fasting cycle.
- Flow State – A state of deep focus and immersion in an activity.
- Functional Strength – Strength that supports daily, practical movements.
G
- GABA – A neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system.
- Genomic Instability – The increased frequency of mutations in the genome—a hallmark of aging.
- Glucose Sink – Muscles that absorb glucose efficiently, aiding blood sugar control.
- Glycemic Load – A measure of how much a food raises blood sugar.
- Grip Strength – A simple indicator of total body strength and longevity.
- Gut-Brain Axis – The connection between gut health and brain function.
H
- Healthspan – The part of life spent in good health, free from illness.
- Heart Disease – Disorders affecting the heart, often linked to lifestyle.
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) – Variation in the time between heartbeats, a sign of recovery.
- Hypertrophy – Increase in muscle size from resistance training.
I
- Inflammation – The body’s defence response to injury or stress, harmful when chronic.
- Insulin Resistance – When cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.
- Insulin Sensitivity – How effectively cells respond to insulin, indicating good metabolism.
- Intentional Community – A group of people living together with shared goals and values.
- Intermittent Fasting – Eating pattern involving regular cycles of fasting and eating.
J
- Juicing – Extracting juice from fruits and vegetables for a nutrient boost.
K
- Ketosis – A metabolic state where fat is used as the body’s main fuel source.
- Kinetic Chain – The interconnected body parts that work together during movement.
L
- Lactic Threshold – The point at which lactic acid builds up during intense activity.
- Lean Mass – Body weight that isn’t fat—includes muscles, organs, and bones.
- Lifestyle Medicine – Medical practice focused on improving health through lifestyle changes.
- Limbic System – A brain area involved in emotions and memory.
- Longevity – Living a long life, ideally in good health.
- Lymphatic Drainage – The process of clearing waste from the body through lymph flow.
M
- Microbiome – The ecosystem of microbes in the body, important for overall health.
- Mindfulness – Maintaining awareness and attention in the present moment.
- Mitochondria – Cell structures that generate energy.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Impairment of mitochondria, linked to aging and disease.
- Mobility – The range of motion in a joint or series of joints.
- Muscle Mass – The total amount of muscle in the body.
N
- NAD+ – A molecule crucial for cell energy and repair.
- Neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to form new pathways and adapt.
- Nutrient Density – The level of nutrients per calorie in food.
O
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Healthy fats that support brain and heart function.
- Optimal Load – The ideal amount of weight or effort for effective training.
- Oxidative Stress – Damage to cells caused by free radicals.
- Oxytocin – A hormone that strengthens social bonds and feelings of trust.
P
- Parasympathetic Nervous System – Part of the nervous system that calms the body.
- Peak Experience – A profound and meaningful moment.
- Perimenopause – The phase leading up to menopause with hormonal changes.
- Polyphenols – Natural compounds in plants that have antioxidant effects.
- Postmenopause – Life stage after a woman stops menstruating.
- Probiotics – Live bacteria that improve gut health.
- Progressive Overload – Increasing workout difficulty over time to build strength.
Q
- Quadriceps – The four-part muscle group at the front of the thigh.
- Quiet Mind – A state of mental stillness and reduced internal chatter.
R
- Red Light Therapy – Treatment using red light to aid healing and skin health.
- Relational Mindfulness – Mindful awareness during interpersonal interactions.
- Resilience – The ability to bounce back from stress or difficulty.
- Respiratory Rate – The number of breaths taken per minute.
- Rest and Digest – The relaxed state where the body heals and processes food.
S
- Sarcopenia – Age-related loss of muscle and strength.
- Self-Regulation – The ability to control behaviour, emotions, and impulses.
- Senescence – The process where cells stop dividing but don’t die, contributing to aging.
- Sleep Hygiene – Habits that support quality sleep.
- Slow Living – A lifestyle centred on intentionality and simplicity.
- Strength Training – Exercises that build muscle strength.
- Super-Aging – Staying physically and mentally sharp into old age.
- Superfood – Foods that are rich in nutrients and beneficial to health.
T
- Thermogenesis – The production of heat in the body, usually linked to calorie burning.
- Telomeres – Protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age.
V
- Vagal Tone – A measure of vagus nerve function related to stress and relaxation.
- Vitamin D – A vitamin important for bones, immune system, and mood.
- VO2 Max – The maximum amount of oxygen used during intense exercise.
W
- Walking Meditation – A practice of mindfulness while walking slowly.
- Wellness Stack – A personalised set of routines and supplements for health.
- White Noise – Background sound that can help with sleep and concentration.
X
- Xenobiotics – Compounds foreign to the body, often from diet or the environment.
Z
- Zen – A state or practice of peaceful awareness and simplicity.
- Zinc – A mineral essential for immunity and healing.
- Zone 2 Cardio – Moderate exercise that improves fat metabolism and endurance.
As you continue on your journey to live longer and better, let this glossary be your quick-reference companion. This post will be updated regularly as new longevity science and terminology emerge so bookmark it, share it, and revisit it often.