For years, researchers have been fascinated by individuals like Mrs. L.R., who have defied disease and maintained exceptional health despite advanced age. In 2008, a team at Scripps Research launched the “Wellderly” project to study people over 80 with no chronic illnesses. After six years, they found 1400 participants willing to share their genome data, but surprisingly, their genetic makeup didn’t hold the key to healthy aging.
The “Illderly,” who make up most of the population, face significant health challenges. In the US, 60% of adults have at least one chronic disease, and 40% have two or more. The goal is no longer just to live longer but to live healthier for longer years without debilitating diseases.
This book explores how to achieve maximum health span by either preventing or delaying age-related diseases or slowing down the aging process. While some centenarians like Mrs. L.R. have managed to avoid major chronic diseases, most face health challenges. The focus of this book is on building on current progress and developing strategies to prevent or delay age-related diseases, thereby extending healthy life.
Source: https://community.thriveglobal.com/how-we-can-prevent-the-major-age-related-diseases