This episode of Longevity by Design features Dr. Nir Barzilai, a leading longevity researcher known for studying people who live past 100. The conversation explores how genetics, biomarkers, and metabolic pathways influence aging, and discusses metformin as a potential therapy to extend healthspan.

Key Points:

The discussion explains how certain genetic and metabolic factors help people live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Barzilai emphasizes the importance of biomarkers and the goal of targeting aging directly to prevent multiple diseases simultaneously. The episode highlights metformin and lifestyle strategies as promising approaches to extending healthspan, not just lifespan.

• Centenarian Research Shows Clues to Longevity: Dr. Barzilai studies people who live beyond 100 and identifies genetic variants that protect them from age-related diseases.
• Longevity Genes Influence Metabolism and Stress Response: Many of these genes affect how the body processes energy and handles cellular stress, helping prevent chronic disease and inflammation.
• Aging is Not Just Wear-and-Tear: The episode emphasizes aging as a biologically regulated process that can potentially be slowed or modified.
• Blood Biomarkers Can Track Biological Age: Emerging biomarkers can estimate biological age more accurately than calendar age, helping assess healthspan and risk of disease.
• Metformin as a Longevity Drug: Metformin, widely used for type 2 diabetes, may activate cellular pathways linked to healthier aging, independent of blood sugar control.
• The TAME Trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin): Dr. Barzilai leads this landmark clinical study designed to demonstrate that aging can be treated as a medical condition rather than an inevitable decline.
• Goal is to Delay All Age-Related Diseases at Once: Instead of treating each disease separately (heart disease, cancer, dementia), targeting aging could reduce risk across the board.
• Lifestyle Still Plays a Major Role: Nutrition, physical activity, and sleep patterns interact with genetics to influence aging and longevity outcomes.