Thomas Perls, MD, MPH, FACP, is a Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and a leading expert in the study of aging and longevity. He directs the New England Centenarian Study, the largest and most comprehensive study of people aged 100 and older, which explores the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. With a focus on translating scientific discoveries into better aging outcomes, Dr. Perls has authored numerous publications and is recognized for his pioneering work in understanding how centenarians naturally delay or avoid age-related diseases, compressing the time spent with illness at the end of life.