compounds tested in the ITP already have a clinical
use for humans, scientists are clear: These compounds
should be used only as prescribed and not for lifespan
Most of what we know about factors
extension at this time.
that can contribute to a long lifespan
The ability to withstand disease could also be
and health span is based on research
central to lifespan. Studies of exceptionally long-lived
in animal models. However, NIA-
people are helping to establish patterns of health
funded research like the Long Life
decline and increased disease (called morbidity) with
Family Study is taking what we’ve
old age. For example, do health problems start around
learned in animals and seeing if it
the same age in all people and expand over extra years
applies to human aging. This study
of life for the long-lived, or are the problems delayed,
is col ecting data from families with
occurring closer to the end of life among exceptional
at least two siblings who have lived
agers? Evidence from a Danish longitudinal study of
to a very old age in relatively good
92- to 100-year-olds found that health problems seem
health. Along with asking questions
to be delayed, appearing closer to the end of life. This is
about their family and health history,
not a certain outcome, but in many studies, the average
the researchers conduct physical
centenarian seems to be in better health than the aver-
assessments and health screenings
age 80-year-old. However, living to 100 does not mean
and col ect a small blood sample
never having any health issues. In the New England
for genetic tests. What researchers
Centenarian Study, researchers have developed three
learn about common characteristics
categories for their long-lived participants. They are
shared by these families could one
characterized as “survivors,” “delayers,” or “escapers,”
day be used to guide lifestyle advice
depending on whether they have survived a life-threaten-
and medical treatments.
ing disease, delayed a serious health problem until much
later in life, and/or escaped any serious health events.
Scientists used to think that long life was a good
indicator of health span, or years of good health and
function. However, some experiments, particularly in
mice, demonstrate significant improvements in health,
without actually increasing lifespan. For example, NIA
scientists and grantees (that is, scientists at a university
or other institution whose research is funded by NIA)
examining the effects of the wine-derived compound
resveratrol in mice on a normal diet found the
8
AGING UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
ANIMAL MODELS
Here are some animals commonly