#Longevity

A century of life can hinge on straightforward choices. Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, champions a simple, actionable approach to health. He credits longevity to daily habits rather than genetics, noting that his parents died from cardiovascular and neurological conditions in later years.

Thailand and much of Southeast Asia are witnessing rising life expectancy, alongside growing challenges from non-communicable diseases. Scharffenberg’s guidance arrives at a crucial moment. He argues that preventing cardiovascular disease is achievable through lifestyle changes, a view supported by health authorities worldwide. His seven lifestyle tenets are shared through lectures and digital platforms focused on longevity.

Recent research published in the journal Cancer reveals that colon cancer survivors who engage in regular physical activity may enjoy longer lives than those who do not. The study, led by Dr. Jeff Meyerhardt from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlights the potential of exercise to significantly influence a patient’s long-term prognosis by not only reducing cancer mortality but surpassing the life expectancy of individuals who haven’t experienced cancer.

With colon cancer marking a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including an alarming rise among younger adults in the United States, the implications of this research are profound. Improved survival rates due to exercise could be a game-changer for patients in Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common among urban populations. Regular exercise could mitigate this trend, offering hope for prolonged life and improved quality of life for Thai patients battling colon cancer.

A new study published in Cancer suggests that colon cancer survivors who stay physically active live longer than those who remain sedentary. Led by researchers from a major cancer institute, the work highlights exercise as a potential factor in improving long-term prognosis, not only lowering cancer mortality but sometimes surpassing the life expectancy of people without cancer.

Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a concerning rise among younger adults in some regions. For Thai readers, these findings offer a hopeful angle: integrating regular activity could help improve survival and quality of life for survivors amid rising urban sedentary trends. Exercise can be a practical, affordable intervention that fits into Thailand’s health priorities.

Thai traditional medicine has long valued สมอไทย (Terminalia chebula) as a versatile tonic. Known in English as chebulic myrobalan, this modest fruit sits at the crossroads of age-old wisdom and contemporary science. In Thailand,สมอไทย remains a familiar staple in health practices, while researchers increasingly explore its potential through modern biomedical methods. For health-conscious Thais, the fruit embodies a bridge between heritage and evidence-based wellness.

Rooted in Thai culture, สมอไทย is celebrated across regions, especially in the northern Lanna area, where the fruit’s galls are described in traditional tonics meant to support longevity and vitality. Community herbalists in Chiang Mai emphasize its use alongside other herbs to help sustain strength and alertness in later life. These enduring beliefs are now complemented by scientific studies that seek to validate traditional claims.

The modest fruit of สมอไทย (Terminalia chebula)—known in English as chebulic myrobalan—is often overshadowed by flashier herbal icons. Yet, this ancient botanical stands as a pillar of traditional healing across Asia. In Thailand, สมอไทย has woven itself into the medical wisdom of generations, prized not only for its versatility in folk remedies but also for its growing scientific credentials. Today, health-conscious Thais and researchers alike are rediscovering the remarkable intersection of ancient tradition and modern biomedical research that surrounds this humble fruit.

A recent edition of the Chasing Life podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spotlighted mobility as a core pillar of health. The show features Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading advocate in the mobility movement, urging people to weave movement into daily routines to boost longevity. According to research summarized on the program, mobility goes beyond traditional workouts to support lasting well-being.

For Thai readers juggling busy schedules and family commitments, incorporating mobility can be a practical, high-impact habit. Simple actions—like opting to sit on the floor while watching television—can improve joint health and normalize frequent movement, a point emphasized by Dr. Starrett.

NAD supplements have risen as a notable wellness topic, promising boosts in energy, metabolism, and longevity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a molecule key to cellular energy production and renewal. As researchers explore its potential, the conversation balances optimism with careful scrutiny.

NAD operates as NAD+ and NADH, transforming food into usable energy. A seasoned nurse practitioner notes its vital role in cellular health, supporting energy production, DNA repair, and immune function. Since NAD+ levels tend to decline with age, interest in supplementation grows, particularly among adults over 30 who seek to maintain vitality.

In an era where vitality and wellness take center stage, NAD supplements have emerged as a promising key to enhancing energy, metabolism, and longevity. This growing trend surrounds nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule celebrated for its essential roles in cellular energy production and longevity support. With experts weighing in, the potential of NAD supplements is carved into a more comprehensive understanding—a narrative capturing both optimism and cautious pragmatism.

NAD, both as NAD+ and NADH, is integral to converting food into energy, a process pivotal for maintaining our health and vitality. Emma Wedgwood, an advanced nurse practitioner, emphasizes this molecule’s critical function in cellular well-being, supporting energy production, DNA repair, and immune health. However, as NAD+ levels decline with age, they contribute to decreased energy and cellular regeneration, igniting the interest in supplementation, particularly among those over 30.

In a recent episode of the “Chasing Life” podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the focus was on the often overlooked but critical aspect of fitness: mobility. The episode highlighted the expertise of Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading voice in the mobility movement, who advocates for incorporating movement into daily routines as a key to longevity and overall well-being (CNN Audio).

The podcast delves into how movement, beyond traditional strength and cardio exercises, can be integral to living a long and healthy life. For Thai listeners, who may juggle busy schedules and family responsibilities, finding time to incorporate mobility can be a manageable change with profound impacts. Sitting on the floor while watching TV, for instance, is a simple way to improve joint health and make daily movement natural again, according to Dr. Starrett.

A new study from Spain points to a strong link between diet and longevity. Researchers suggest that a Mediterranean-style pattern rich in fruits, dairy in moderation, nuts, and unsaturated oils may help people live longer. The findings indicate that following this dietary pattern could lower the risk of premature death by more than 20 percent.

The research, conducted at the Autonomous University of Madrid, followed more than 11,000 adults to assess how closely they adhered to the Mediterranean diet and what that meant for longevity. The study found that participants who consistently ate plant-focused meals, with moderate dairy and lean proteins, along with whole grains and nuts, experienced lower all-cause mortality. A senior researcher in the project noted that stronger adherence to this diet correlated with healthier survival outcomes, underscoring tangible health benefits.

Recent research underscores a compelling link between diet and lifespan, suggesting that a diet rich in fruits, dairy, nuts, and unsaturated oils could significantly increase one’s chances of living longer. Published findings by Spanish scientists indicate that these four key food groups are critical components of the Mediterranean-style diet, which is traditionally credited with contributing to the longevity of populations such as those in Italy and Spain. By following this diet, the study suggests individuals may reduce their risk of early death by over 20%.

A recent study has sparked significant interest in the potential of the ketogenic diet (keto diet) to reverse biological aging, a topic that is highly relevant to many seeking longevity and healthier lives. The research suggests that a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) can reverse epigenetic aging by over six years, offering intriguing possibilities for health rejuvenation, particularly among those grappling with obesity.

Understanding biological aging involves considering epigenetic changes—biomolecular processes determined by lifestyle and environmental factors—that govern the aging of cells and tissues. Unlike chronological aging, which is simply an accumulation of time, biological aging reflects the real-time wear and tear your cells undergo, making it a more accurate marker of health and vitality source.

A new study is capturing attention for suggesting that a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet can reverse certain markers of biological aging. For Thai readers interested in longevity and healthier living, the findings offer a fresh perspective on how diet might influence aging at the cellular level.

Biological aging is driven by epigenetic changes—molecular processes shaped by lifestyle and environment. These changes affect how cells and tissues age, beyond simply accumulating years. The latest research indicates that sustained ketosis, paired with very low calorie intake, may slow or even reverse aspects of this aging process. Researchers note improvements in metabolic health and body composition alongside these aging markers, though findings require cautious interpretation until confirmed by longer-term studies.

A growing body of research highlights pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) as a potential contributor to healthier, longer lives. As anti-aging science gains traction globally, studies suggest C15:0 may boost cellular resilience and support healthy aging, with meaningful implications for Thailand’s aging population.

C15:0 is a saturated odd-chain fatty acid found in dairy fat and the meat of ruminant animals. While not widely known, accumulating evidence points to possible health benefits that could help reduce age-related risks. Early observations came from marine mammal studies, where higher C15:0 levels were linked to improvements in insulin, glucose, and cholesterol, prompting researchers to explore potential benefits for humans.

In the ever-evolving field of nutritional science, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is emerging as a “longevity nutrient” with the potential to play a significant role in promoting healthier, longer lives. As global interest in anti-aging compounds intensifies, recent studies have highlighted the potential of C15:0 to enhance cellular resilience and support healthy aging, aligning it with important anti-aging drugs like rapamycin and metformin. This discovery has piqued interest among researchers and could have profound implications for aging populations, including those in Thailand.

A newly identified nutrient, C15:0, is drawing attention in the field of cellular health and longevity. For Thailand, where traditional wisdom meets modern science, this saturated fatty acid opens fresh avenues for diet, health interventions, and aging research.

In longevity science, C15:0 stands out as an essential fatty acid. Its advocates point to Fatty15—a formulation developed with support from a U.S. Navy initiative—as a means to bolster cellular resilience and slow certain aging processes. Proponents say it may offer benefits beyond familiar longevity compounds, such as metformin, by supporting cellular integrity.

The discovery of an essential nutrient, C15:0, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of cellular health and longevity, suggesting a potential breakthrough in how we understand and approach aging. For a country like Thailand, where age-old traditions often intersect with modern scientific advancements, this novel insight into a saturated fatty acid offers new avenues to consider in both dietary practices and health interventions.

In what has become an increasingly exciting arena of longevity research, C15:0 has emerged as a crucial player. Unlike many newly discovered compounds, C15:0 is deemed an essential fatty acid, filling a void that has persisted for nearly a century. This nutrient was brought to the forefront thanks to Fatty15, a formulation developed with the US Navy’s backing, noted for its ability to bolster cellular resilience and slow biological aging—a claim that suggests benefits surpassing those of more traditional longevity compounds like metformin.