Extreme Longevity

We believe extreme longevity is due to specific genes which function to delay aging and prevent disease. The purpose of the research is to identify the genes/mutations associated with healthier aging; to understand the biological functions of these genes/mutations; and to develop therapies to replicate these preservative genetic activities in individuals who do not have the genetic profile for longevity.

The demographic life expectancy enhancement of the past 150 years imposes an urgent challenge in Western and economically growing societies to stimulate the healthy lifespan that is lagging behind. Families surviving into exceptionally high ages (longevity) in good physical and mental health illustrate that this is physiologically possible. Such families harbor cross generational socio-genetic mechanisms that mediate healthy aging and protection from (multi)morbidity. The purpose of our research is: to identify gene variants associated with healthy aging and protection from (multi)morbidity; to study the social-, environment- and behavioral factors of familial longevity, their role in (multi-)morbidity and its interaction with the genetic component.