Understanding the terminology in longevity and ageing is essential for grasping the nuances of health and lifespan. Here are some fundamental terms:
- Life Expectancy
- The average number of years a person is expected to live based on demographic factors such as birth year, current age, and gender.
- Represents the statistical average lifespan of a population.
- Lifespan
- The actual length of time an individual lives, from birth to death.
- Refers to the duration of an individual’s life.
- Maximum Lifespan
- The longest period that any individual of a species has been observed to live.
- For humans, the maximum documented lifespan is 122 years.
- Longevity
- The ability to live a long life, often beyond the average age at death for a species.
- Encompasses both lifespan and the quality of health during ageing.
- Healthspan
- The period of life during which an individual is healthy and free from serious diseases.
- Aims to maximise the time spent in good health, not just prolong life.
- Biological Age
- An assessment of how well or poorly your body is functioning relative to your actual calendar age.
- Determined by various biomarkers and may differ from chronological age.
- Chronological Age
- The actual time that has elapsed since birth, measured in years.
- Does not necessarily reflect an individual’s health status.
- Senescence
- The gradual deterioration of functional characteristics in organisms as they age.
- Involves cellular changes leading to reduced regenerative capacity.
- Gerontology
- The comprehensive study of ageing and the issues associated with it.
- Includes biological, psychological, and sociological aspects.
- Geriatrics
- A branch of medicine focusing on health care for the elderly.
- Aims to promote health and prevent and treat diseases in older adults.
- Compression of Morbidity
- A concept aiming to shorten the duration of illness and decline before death.
- Focuses on extending healthspan to reduce time spent in poor health.
- Longevity Escape Velocity
- The point at which life expectancy increases faster than time passes, potentially leading to extended lifespans.
- Suggests that medical advancements could outpace ageing processes.
- Blue Zones
- Regions where people have higher longevity and lower rates of chronic diseases.
- Examples include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), and Ikaria (Greece).
- Epigenetic Clock
- A method of estimating biological age based on DNA methylation levels.
- Provides insights into ageing processes and potential interventions.
- Telomere
- Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
- Their length is associated with cellular ageing and overall health.
Familiarity with these terms enhances comprehension of discussions surrounding ageing, health, and longevity. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about health and wellness strategies.
Here is a full list of 50 terms related to longevity that you may come across. Please note that these are not recommendations to optimise your lifespan and healthspan, as what works for someone else may not exactly work for you. But it’s good to know and understand the terms to be able to read and interpret content around longevity.
General Terms
- Life Expectancy – Average years a person is expected to live.
- Lifespan – The total years an individual actually lives.
- Maximum Lifespan – The longest age recorded for any human (currently 122 years).
- Longevity – The ability to live a long, healthy life.
- Healthspan – The number of years lived in good health, free from chronic disease.
- Biological Age – A measure of how old your body feels and functions compared to your chronological age.
- Chronological Age – Your actual age in years since birth.
- Ageing – The natural process of growing older, involving physical and mental changes.
- Senescence – The biological process of ageing, where cells lose their ability to function and divide.
- Healthy Ageing – Staying physically, mentally, and socially well as you age.
Diet and Nutrition
- Caloric Restriction – Reducing calorie intake without malnutrition to potentially extend lifespan.
- Intermittent Fasting – Eating only during certain hours or skipping meals to promote cell repair.
- Mediterranean Diet – A heart-healthy diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish.
- Protein Restriction – Limiting protein intake to potentially slow ageing.
- Nutrient Density – Foods rich in vitamins and minerals relative to their calorie content.
- Gut Microbiota – The community of bacteria in your gut that impacts health and ageing.
- Polyphenols – Plant-based compounds found in foods like berries and tea that may reduce inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Healthy fats found in fish that promote brain and heart health.
- Antioxidants – Compounds that fight damage caused by free radicals in the body.
- Dietary Fibre – Nutrients that support gut health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Exercise and Physical Health
- Aerobic Exercise – Activities like walking or swimming that improve heart health and endurance.
- Strength Training – Exercises that build muscle and maintain bone density as you age.
- Flexibility Training – Stretching exercises to improve mobility and prevent injuries.
- Balance Training – Activities to reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
- VO2 Max – A measure of your aerobic fitness or the maximum oxygen your body can use.
- Muscle Mass – The amount of muscle in your body, which declines naturally with age.
- Sarcopenia – The loss of muscle mass and strength as you age.
- Body Composition – The ratio of fat, muscle, and bone in your body.
- Bone Density – A measure of bone strength, which declines with age and can lead to osteoporosis.
- Metabolism – The process by which your body converts food into energy, which slows as you age.
Cellular and Genetic Health
- DNA Damage – Genetic mutations that occur over time, contributing to ageing.
- Telomeres – Protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age.
- Epigenetics – Changes in gene expression caused by lifestyle and environment, not DNA changes.
- Autophagy – The body’s natural recycling process, where old cells are cleared out.
- Mitochondria – The “powerhouses” of cells that produce energy, which decline with age.
- Free Radicals – Unstable molecules that can damage cells, contributing to ageing.
- Oxidative Stress – Damage caused by free radicals when the body lacks enough antioxidants.
- Inflammaging – Chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with ageing.
- Cellular Senescence – Cells that stop dividing and release harmful substances.
- Proteostasis – The balance of protein production and breakdown in cells, essential for health.
Lifestyle and Mindset
- Sleep Hygiene – Habits that promote restful sleep, crucial for repair and recovery.
- Mindfulness – Focusing on the present moment to reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Stress Management – Techniques like yoga or meditation to control stress, which accelerates ageing.
- Blue Zones – Regions with the longest-living populations, such as Okinawa (Japan) and Sardinia (Italy).
- Social Connections – Relationships that promote emotional and physical health.
- Purpose in Life – Having clear goals and meaning, linked to longer lifespan and better health.
- Habit Formation – Building small, consistent routines to improve health over time.
- Digital Detox – Reducing screen time to improve sleep and mental well-being.
- Active Living – Staying mobile and engaged in daily activities to support healthy ageing.
- Longevity Mindset – A focus on long-term health and well-being through intentional choices.
These terms simplify the science behind longevity, helping you make informed decisions to optimise your health and lifespan.