The science of longevity: is it the key to healthy years ahead or just a marketing spree?

When you hear about the science of longevity, you may first think of living longer. But the idea is deeper than that; The goal is not only to increase the number of years of life, but to live these years in better health and greater vitality.

In recent years, there has been increased talk about the science of longevity and anti-aging, as a field that seeks to add life to years, not just add years to life.

Family medicine and chronic diseases specialist, Dr. Bayan Abu Al-Sheikh, says that the problem does not lie in reaching a certain age, but rather in the loss of the ability to move and become independent, and the emergence of chronic diseases with age.

Hence, the science of longevity focuses on reaching advanced ages while maintaining the ability to move, be self-reliant, and enjoy life, according to Abu Al-Sheikh.

"Numbers don't lie"

Speaking to BBC News Arabic, the doctor explains that there is no magic recipe for prolonging healthy life and combating aging. Rather, the issue begins with the basics of a healthy lifestyle, such as good sleep, balanced food, and physical activity.

She believes that good sleep is one of the most important factors associated with prolonging healthy lifespan, noting the possibility of using devices such as WHOOP and Oura to monitor the quality and stages of sleep, especially deep sleep.

She adds that assessing whether a person is aging faster than usual depends on vital indicators and laboratory tests, while DNA analysis can give an indication of biological age.

Two people may be the same age, but one has better health indicators and a younger biological age than the other.

Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most prominent people who have spoken publicly about extending a healthy lifespan. In a podcast with Will Ahmed, founder and president of Whoop, he talked about his habits and philosophy on health, discipline and staying fit as you age.

During the interview, he pointed out the importance of regular sleep in addition to regular physical exercise, stressing that investing in health is reflected in the quality of life.

According to Abu Al-Sheikh, important tests include measuring muscle mass, fat percentage, and bone density, in addition to evaluating heart and lung health, burning rates, and skin tests, in addition to measuring oxygen consumption known as “VO2.”

Based on the results, the doctor can develop a plan to improve health indicators, whether through nutrition, physical activity, or sleep, and it may also include some vitamins or supplements when needed and under medical supervision.

Abu Al-Sheikh says that adherence to the plan is reflected over time in the results of examinations and health indicators, adding: “The numbers do not lie.”

It also stresses the individual's responsibility for his health, explaining that the doctor's role is limited to identifying problems and developing an appropriate plan, while commitment to sleep, food, physical activity, and follow-up remain the responsibility of the person himself.

As for Ghalia, who began following a plan to prolong healthy life under medical supervision, she says that her interest in this field does not stem from fear of aging, but rather is linked to her desire to reach it in better health.

She adds that she cares about her appearance being younger than her actual age, but what is most important to her is that she grows old in good health and without diseases or pain.

She told the BBC that she began undergoing tests and following a diet, but she does not treat it as a temporary regime, but rather as a way of life.

She also became more attentive to the quality of food she eats, returned to exercising at the club, and says she now sleeps better while adhering to the vitamins and nutritional supplements recommended by the doctor.

Science or marketing?

Abu Al-Sheikh, who specializes in the science of healthy longevity and anti-aging, points out that a number of countries have begun to regulate this field, coinciding with the growing interest in providing healthy longevity services within clearer medical frameworks.

The UAE is one of the first countries in the region to legalize this specialty, by launching academic programs and clinics specializing in longevity and healthy aging.

These programs are not limited to doctors, but also include pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, fitness professionals, and other allied health care practitioners.

Abu Al-Sheikh criticizes non-specialists’ approach to this field on social media, as talk about “healthy life extension” protocols often turns to promoting specific products.

She says that the line between science and “trend” appears when the commercialization of specific products begins.

At the same time, Abu Al-Sheikh links the spread of the concepts of longevity and anti-aging to increased health awareness and the increased talk about them on social media.

She says that the concept of luxury has changed in the world, as it is no longer linked to money and material possessions only, but rather investing in health today has become a form of luxury.

The rise in obesity and chronic diseases has also made people more concerned with prevention, according to her.

She points out that health information is reaching people faster than before, but the speed of its spread does not necessarily mean its accuracy. “And here the problem appears” that requires legalizing this process.

One of the most common terms in the world of healthy longevity today is peptides, which are chains of amino acids, and their role varies according to their composition, says Abu Al-Sheikh.

She explains that some modern medications belong to this category or work through pathways related to it, including some treatments used for diabetes and weight loss.

Genes are not fate?

But Ghalia believes that interest in prolonging healthy life and combating aging may sometimes turn into a source of psychological pressure, especially for people who are excessively preoccupied with their appearance and trying to resist the signs of aging.

As for those who simply want to grow old in good health and live out their years with as little disease and pain as possible, the matter is different. Ghalia says that this idea should not turn into a source of pressure, but rather into motivation to follow a healthy lifestyle that can be continued.