Just about every major disease of aging, from Alzheimer's to cancer, has been linked to low-level inflammation. So, you may be taking anti-inflammatory drugs, like an adult low-strength aspirin, every day.
From caloric restriction studies to genes that may extend lifespan, researchers are looking for ways to extend healthy lives. But don't expect miracles. If the effects of caloric restriction are any indication, anti-aging drugs won't boost human life expectancy much past 100 anyway, says Richard A. Miller, a University of Michigan researcher. Still, that's a lot better than the current 74.4 and 79.8 life expectancies for U.S. men and women, respectively. And those extra years may well be very good ones.
To take a free test to determine how your chronological age compares with your calculated actual age, go to: www.RealAge.com
To extend your life, change your behavior.
Here's how an average guy in his 40s can buy six more years of life:
Get stress under optimal control = Gain 1.5 years
Drop blood pressure to 115 over 76 = Gain 1.3 years
Walk/exercise 90 minutes a day, 7 days/week = 1 year
Give up a pack-a-day smoking habit for 5 years = 11 mos.
Take the right vitamins; avoid the wrong ones = 10 mos.
Floss and brush daily = 5 mos.
Have good sex 14 times a month = 3 mos.
Have one or two drinks a day = 2 mos.
--Source: FORTUNE magazine, April 19, 2004