What is the maximum longevity we can achieve and how can we achieve it? This is what a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry says

The molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to longevity. in the world.

In fact, in 2009 he and his colleagues Thomas A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on ribosomes .

Generally speaking, the latter These are cell structures responsible for the production of proteins a key element of life.

And soon, in March 2024, the scientist will publish a book in which he will address the theme of aging and in the discoveries surrounding “the search for immortality”.

Its title is as follows: Why we die: the new science of aging and the quest for immortality .

When consulted by the BBC About this work, the Indian specialist addressed a number of related points to longevity.

Among them is the life expectancy we currently have and what can be done to live longer in conditions in good health .

Ramakrishnan explained that “Today we live longer (compared to times past) because our health and medical care have improved” .

“With current knowledge, 120 years is the longest we can reasonably live, it is unlikely we will live beyond that. of this age. »

In this sense, he cited a scientific review by one of his colleagues named Tom Perls, who realized that Even though the number of people reaching 100 is increasing, the same is not true for those reaching 110. .

This, in Ramakrishnan’s words, suggests that “Beyond 110 years, we are faced with natural biological limits” .

“Yes, there are people who, thanks to a combination of genetic factors and their lifestyle, live more than 110 years, but this number of people is not increasing “.

Along with this, he mentioned that There are studies that have calculated what the life expectancy of the population would be if diseases like cancer were eliminated. .

If this were to happen, expectations would only increase “a few years” on average, the scientist said.

However, he clarified that this is the scenario with current advances and knowledge, therefore Yes, it could be expanded further “if we somehow manage to treat the causes of aging” .

But this last task is not simple and leads to several other factors that must be taken into account .

That’s why the biologist says: “I don’t even know if that’s desirable.” This is something we need to think about, because the consequences can be enormous. social”.

Likewise, he said that although some researchers assume that the first person to reach the age of 150 has already been born, such projections seem “too optimistic” .

“Aging is highly multifactorial and It’s not clear whether there will be any definitive solutions that will stop this and keep us healthy. “, he stressed to the aforementioned media.

For the Nobel Prize winner in chemistry The answer is clear: “Eat well, sleep well and exercise” .

“Currently, they are more effective than any anti-aging drug on the market . They cost nothing, have no side effects and have a solid biological basis against aging.

In this sense, he pointed out that acts such as eating when not hungry, leading a sedentary lifestyle and not taking care of the sleep cycle They significantly influence longevity and physical and mental well-being. .

In this way, Rather than just thinking about how long you’ll stay here, you can focus on “making the most of your life.” .