How long can a person live? Expert opinion of Maria Vedunova, Director of UNN IBBM
The experience of centenarians around the world suggests that a person can live up to 120 years or even longer. This is also supported by scientists who calculate the reserve of the heart muscle and give approximately the same timeframe. Maria Vedunova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Director of the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, gives her comment.
"Indeed, given the upcoming shift towards preventive medicine and proper approaches to pregnancy planning (the embryonic period is very important for a person's future life), children born after 2030 are likely to be able to live for 100-120 years. As for those who are not young today, there is a research area in the actively developing science of gerontology and aging biology. It is now absolutely clear that the key to longevity lies in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, immune system (including protection from cancer), as well as detoxifying system of the body. By supporting these systems, a person can significantly prolong their life. However, after all, "wishing for eternal life, one should not forget about eternal youth!" Simply living and remaining active and involved in the processes of the world around us is not the same thing. That is why maintaining cognitive longevity is an important goal. Our brain is a complex organ, and the preservation of basic functions such as breathing, swallowing, and heartbeat has no limits and, most likely, can be maintained up to 150 years.
Our personality, as a complex cascade of functions associated with the activity of the two brain hemispheres, has been the focus of many scientists' attention. How can we preserve this important part of our brain? This is not a simple question, as neurons are constantly dying. Therefore, scientists are searching for compounds called geroprotectors, which are biologically active molecules that can influence various aspects of the aging process. The desired outcome of using these compounds is always the same: an increase in lifespan while maintaining high cognitive abilities.
Over the past several years, the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine has tested 12 new geroprotector candidates from five industrial partners. One of them has shown promise, and it is possible that we will soon have a molecule capable of extending a healthy and active life. However, so far this is just an experiment," said Maria Vedunova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Director of the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine.
