Latest news with #longevity
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
World's 'oldest' marathon runner dies at 114 in hit-and-run
He continued to compete in marathons well into his 100s and earned the nickname "Turbaned Tornado". Most of his earnings from endorsements went directly to charitable foundations. "I was the same Fauja Singh before I entered the world of running - but running gave my life a mission and brought me global recognition," he recalled. In 2013, he participated in his last long-distance competitive race in Hong Kong, completing a 10km run in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds. He credited his health and longevity to a simple lifestyle and disciplined diet. "Eating less, running more, and staying happy - that is the secret behind my longevity. This is my message to everyone," he said in June. In his final years, Singh divided his time between India and the UK. When the BBC met him in June, he was hoping to visit London again soon to meet his family and coach. British MP Preet Kaur Gill shared a photo of herself with him on X, writing: "A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me." Jas Athwal MP said Singh "inspired millions across the world". He wrote on X: "His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever." Additional reporting by Pardeep Sharma
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Daily Habit Can Add Years To Your Life, According to Doctors
This Daily Habit Can Add Years To Your Life, According to Doctors originally appeared on Parade. When it comes to longevity, you likely already know that diet and exercise play a major role. Consistently getting enough sleep, not smoking or vaping and knowing how to effectively manage stress all matter too. In fact, collectively, all of these habits play a more important role when it comes to longevity than genetics. That's powerful! There's another habit that scientific research has also shown can add years to one's life and it's not talked about very much. Keep reading to find out what it is and how to integrate it into your life.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 According to scientific research, people who routinely practice gratitude tend to live longer than those who don't practice gratitude. 'Gratitude is one of the most powerful and accessible tools we have to regulate our physiology, which can absolutely enhance longevity,' says Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, a longevity expert and surgeon at Next Shah explains that a positive mindset driven by gratitude has the power to shift someone from a stress state into a parasympathetic rest-and-repair state. 'When we're in the parasympathetic state, our cortisol levels are low, inflammation reduces, and our heart rate variability increases. These biomarkers are closely connected to better health outcomes and increased lifespan,' he says. Related: Dr. Christine Gibson, MD, a family medicine doctor and trauma therapist, says this too. 'Gratitude is really about focusing attention on the positive. When we do this, we are lowering stress levels and helping our parasympathetic system. [This can] lower blood pressure, improve immunity and lower multiple risk factors that could be harmful,' she explains. Both doctors say that living a life constantly feeling stressed, angry or on high alert instead of grateful can be devastating for health. 'When we are stressed, it tends to activate the fight-or-flight response. This is correlated to high blood pressure and high heart rate. Studies show that gratitude lowers inflammatory response and improves cardiovascular health,' Dr. Gibson Dr. Shah echoes this, saying that human biology is designed to survive and perform under short bursts of stress; not live with it 24/7. 'Chronic stress and anger keep the body in a persistent fight-or-flight state, which wreaks havoc over time on nearly every system in the body—especially the cardiovascular system. High levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase blood pressure, damage blood vessels and raise the risk of strokes and heart attacks,' he While scientific research does show a connection between gratitude and longevity, Dr. Gibson says that it's important to note that some people are predispositioned to be naturally grateful more than others. If someone experienced childhood trauma or is experiencing hardship, gratitude may not come as naturally to them as it does to someone who has lived a comparatively easier life. While anyone can practice gratitude, it's important to remember that it may be harder for some than others. 'Gratitude is a privilege. There are many people who aren't getting their foundational needs met and it is more difficult for them to focus on the practice. If you don't feel physically or psychologically safe or have adequate food or shelter, this is a more challenging practice. It's not impossible, but it's definitely challenging,' Dr. Gibson says. Related: Want to put this free, life-lengthening habit into practice? Both doctors have some tips. Dr. Shah recommends tweaking your morning routine with gratitude in mind. Instead of waking up and immediately grabbing your phone, he recommends going for a walk around the neighborhood. 'This alone will boost your mood and contribute to a regulated circadian rhythm, which makes gratitude feel more natural,' he says. Listing three things you are grateful for mentally or on paper can help set a positive tone for the day, both experts say. Both doctors say this is also a great way to end the day too. As you go about your day, Dr. Shah recommends actively noting what you are grateful for as it happens. This could look like being grateful for a cup of coffee as you sip it, for your pet as you feed them or for having a paying job as you start your workday. This may not come naturally at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Dr. Gibson recommends actively sharing with others how grateful you are for them as a powerful way to practice gratitude. It will enrich not only your life, but theirs as well! As this mindset becomes your default, Dr. Shah says it not only has the power to lengthen life, but also makes life more enjoyable. There is no downside to making a mindful effort to be more grateful. You just may inspire others to appreciate things a little more too. Up Next:Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, longevity expert and surgeon at Next Health Dr. Christine Gibson, MD, family medicine doctor and trauma therapist This Daily Habit Can Add Years To Your Life, According to Doctors first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers Say These Overlooked Fish Could Help You Live Longer
Eating small fish up to three times a month reduced early death risk by 32% and cancer death risk by 28% in a nine-year study of more than 80,000 individuals. Small fish are rich in omega-3s, calcium, protein, selenium, and iodine, supporting heart, brain, bones, immune system, and thyroid health — vital for healthy aging and longevity. Compared to larger fish, small fish contain lower levels of environmental toxins such as mercury and PCBs, making them a safer, nutrient-dense option for regular fish like salmon and tuna get a lot of hype because of their versatility and plethora of health-boosting nutrients. But research published in Public Health Nutrition shows that small fish also deserve attention. Why? Because these tiny fish have big benefits for longevity. The study tracked over 80,000 Japanese adults aged 35 to 69 for an average of nine years to examine the connection between small fish consumption and the risk of early death. Using a food frequency questionnaire, researchers discovered that women who ate small fish one to three times a month had a 32% lower risk of premature death and a 28% decrease in the odds of dying from cancer compared to those who did not eat small fish regularly. Those results are pretty promising, however the association between small fish consumption and reduced odds of mortality was not statistically significant in men. Researchers aren't sure why, but it could be due to a smaller sample size of men in the study. Related: Your Favorite Herb Could Soon Become a Key Treatment for Alzheimer's 'Given it wasn't a short-term trial, this comprehensive, well-planned study provides strong evidence that consuming small fish can lead to improved long-term health outcomes,' says Kristen Lorenz, RD, a registered dietitian who specializes in longevity and metabolic health. But what are the exact mechanisms at play? And how can you reap the longevity benefits of small fish? Here's what experts want you to know. Quick primer: Small fish are typically under six inches long and eaten whole or nearly whole, with examples including sardines, anchovies, mackerel, smelt, and herring. Larger fish, on the other hand, are higher up the food chain and include tuna, swordfish, salmon, king mackerel, and halibut. Small fish contain multiple essential nutrients that defend against inflammation and safeguard your health, ultimately promoting longevity. Here's a breakdown of the powerful mechanisms at work: Small fish are loaded with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the heart, brain, and immune system, which are all essential for promoting longevity, Lorenz explains. Omega-3s are also an essential fat, meaning the body cannot produce them in sufficient amounts on its own, so small fish are an easy, convenient way to consume the necessary omega-3s your body needs for proper function, says Lauren Benser, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of Lauren Benser Nutrition. When eaten whole, small fish are a natural source of highly absorbable calcium, which is essential for supporting bone health and preventing serious injuries (like fractures) as you get older, Benser says. Everyone needs the mineral to keep their bones healthy, but calcium intake is especially crucial for women in the years leading up to menopause, since hormonal shifts (particularly changes in estrogen) increase the risk of bone loss, she explains. Small fish contain complete proteins, which help maintain and repair muscles, thereby supporting healthy aging, Lorenz says. Additionally, protein is essential for bodily functions like immune response, metabolic health, and wound healing. Small fish are rich in selenium and iodine—two essential minerals for thyroid health and reducing oxidative stress (an imbalance in free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cell damage associated with aging, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses), Lorenz says. Studies also suggest that adequate selenium intake may slow the aging process, ultimately lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and immune dysfunction. Small fish are lower on the food chain than larger fish, so they accumulate fewer environmental toxins like methylmercury (a toxic substance that can damage various organs and systems in the body when consumed in high levels) and polychlorinated biphenyls (a group of man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and can build up in living organisms), Benser says. Nutritionally, small fish are just as rich, if not richer, in omega-3 fatty acids than large fish, and they often bring added nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A, Lorenz says. With that in mind, big fish also support overall health and longevity because they provide their own variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, so it's always important to eat a diverse, balanced diet. Try to stick to other fish that tend to be lower in methylmercury, such as salmon. According to the study and other dietary guidelines, Lorenz recommends aiming for two to three servings of small fish per week, with each serving about three to four ounces. 'Consistency of consumption matters more than quantity, so a few small servings of small fish each week could have a positive health impact over time,' she says. And yes, too much of a good thing can backfire — even with small fish. While generally safe and lower in environmental contaminants than their bigger counterparts, excessive intake of small fish, especially canned varieties, could lead to excess sodium and, in rare cases, too much selenium, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and even nerve damage, Lorenz says. 'I know it's cliché, but moderation is key to reaping the benefits without the risks.' Related: Turmeric and Garlic Helped Reverse Aging in Just 8 Weeks, Researchers Say Most adults, especially those at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, or cognitive decline, should consider incorporating small fish into their diet. However, Lorenz notes that individuals with high blood pressure or kidney issues should be mindful of the sodium content in canned or smoked small fish. As for the best way to actually eat small fish, it's all about personal preference, but Lorenz and Benser recommend the following simple recipes: A tinned fish grazing board with crackers, olives, and veggies for a no-cook meal or nutrient-dense appetizer. Sardines on toasted sourdough with avocado, chili flakes, microgreens, and lemon juice. Blend anchovies into homemade salad dressing or pasta sauce for a savory, salty umami flavor. Grilled mackerel drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and freshly chopped herbs, served plain or on a bed of fresh greens. Pro tip: If you can't stomach the flavor of small fish, Lorenz recommends pairing it with citrus, vinegar, and/or fresh herbs to help balance the richness. Aside from boosting longevity, small fish offer the following health benefits, according to Lorenz. Supports heart health: Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, and prevent arterial plaque buildup to support cardiovascular health and function. Improves cognitive function: DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) supports memory, enhances cognitive function, and may be associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Builds strong bones: The calcium and vitamin D in whole small fish with soft edible bones still intact help preserve bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Linked to reduced cancer risk: The selenium and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in small fish may help lower the risk of breast and colorectal cancer. Enhances immunity: Small fish are excellent sources of zinc, vitamin D, and selenium, which are all essential for proper immune system function, and this system naturally weakens with Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the the original article on Food & Wine
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Still at the Top: Celebrating Rory McIlroy's enduring legacy and longevity in world golf
In an era where athletes peak and fade quickly, Rory McIlroy remains a remarkable constant. The 36-year-old took a rare moment last week to reflect candidly with the media about his career—now stretching nearly two decades at golf's elite level. 'I think it's one of the underappreciated things about any sport,' McIlroy shared. 'That longevity piece is maybe not talked about enough.' He referenced sporting icons like Novak Djokovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady—legends known not just for winning, but for doing it year after year. McIlroy added, 'The journey on the way up—it takes just as much work, if not more, to stay at the top.' He acknowledged the rising wave of golf's next generation, noting, 'I had never heard of Scottie Scheffler in 2014, when I won my last Major before this year's Masters.' Now, names like Michael Thorbjornsen and Luke Clanton are on his radar—players he believes are ready to compete at the highest level. For McIlroy, staying at the top means embracing evolution. Talent alone isn't enough. He adapts constantly, studying trends, reworking his swing, and avoiding complacency at all costs. To stay at the top he knows he has to work hard, with no complacency – it is not just talent. He admits he is always adapting his game and following all the modern trends to stay there. A Career Worth Celebrating Rory McIlroy's glittering career speaks for itself. Over 18 years as a professional, he has built a résumé that not only places him among golf's elite but also showcases remarkable consistency across nearly two decades of competition. To date, McIlroy has captured five Major Championships: the U.S. Open (2011), two PGA Championships (2012 and 2014), The Open (2014), and most recently, the Masters in 2025—completing the coveted career Grand Slam. His trophy cabinet continues to grow, with 29 PGA Tour titles and 19 victories on the DP World Tour, in addition to wins on the Asian Tour (1), PGA Tour of Australasia (1), and four other international events. This year marks his eighth Ryder Cup appearance, and he has also claimed the prestigious Race to Dubai title six times. McIlroy's ascent through the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) was swift and impressive. He broke into the world's top 200 in January 2008, and by March 2012, he had climbed all the way to World No. 1. Remarkably, over 13 years later, he's still right at the top—currently ranked World No. 2, just behind Scottie Scheffler, and enters this week's Open Championship as one of the favorites. Top Ten Time Capsule To highlight Rory McIlroy's longevity, consider the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Top 10 from March 4, 2012. The players ranked at that time were: Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, and Hunter Mahan. While several of those names remain active in professional golf, none have sustained McIlroy's consistent presence at the summit of the game quite like he has. Last week in Scotland, McIlroy once again showed the grit and drive that have defined his career. At just 5 feet 9 inches tall, he still produces prodigious distance and power—proof that his game is not only intact but evolving. Now 36, Rory's mindset remains sharp and focused. As he said himself: staying at the top takes even more work than getting there in the first place. With younger stars emerging and the game evolving, McIlroy continues to adapt—proving that talent alone isn't enough; it's his work ethic, resilience, and hunger that keep him at the top. Following his emotional Masters win earlier this year, the thought of a home-soil victory at The Open in Northern Ireland would be nothing short of iconic. How long can he keep going? Perhaps the better question is: how long does he want to? One thing's for certain—we must appreciate greatness while it's still in front of us. Here's to Rory McIlroy, a once-in-a-generation talent, still writing his legacy.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Longevity Revolution Is Coming — Will It Include You?
Who wants to live forever? The answer is — just about everyone. But as people live longer, the real question is whether those extra years will be healthy, productive, and accessible to all — or a privilege for the few. When most people think about longevity, they think about fitness trackers, sleep clinics, biohacking startups, or the latest personalized supplements. But as someone who has spent the past decade building a healthcare company in Bangladesh, I can tell you: the tools for living longer have been around a very long time. What's missing are the systems to make those tools available to everyone. The evidence is clear: if everyone in the world had access to a basic health check once a year, we ... More could increase life expectancy by up to seven years across the globe. The biggest breakthroughs in life expectancy won't come from flashy technology. They will come from preventing disease altogether — from ensuring that more people can detect and manage chronic illnesses before they become life-threatening. Today, over 70% of deaths globally are caused by chronic, non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Modern longevity is about staying healthy, active, and free from chronic disease for as long as possible. As longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia has said, 'The goal isn't to avoid death entirely — that's impossible — but to delay the onset of the diseases that most commonly kill us.' The goal isn't to avoid death entirely — that's impossible — but to delay the onset of the diseases that most commonly kill evidence is clear: if everyone in the world had access to a basic health check once a year, we could increase life expectancy by up to seven years across the globe. And yet, many people only seek care when they are already seriously ill. In emerging markets especially, the window for prevention closes too soon — often due to cost, distance, or a lack of trust in the system. At Praava Health, we've seen how that can change. Through a combination of high-quality physical clinics and digital tools, we've served nearly a million patients in Bangladesh — and today, over 30% of our patients come to us for preventive care, not just treatment. Technology plays a critical role — not as a substitute for the doctor, but as a bridge that amplifies access and care. At Praava, digital tools allow us to reach underserved communities, automate clinical protocols, flag early signs of disease, and help patients take control of their health. If we focus only on technology, we risk leaving vast populations behind. Nearly three billion people globally still lack internet access. Over a billion live without reliable electricity. The good news is that we don't need fancy tech to improve healthspan. Even in the richest countries in the world, no technology tool or gadget can replace human connection, continuity, or care. No technology, no treatment, can substitute for the power of community. In fact, as more of us spend more and more time looking at screens rather than at each other, loneliness is one of the greatest and most underestimated health challenges of our time. We now know that social isolation doesn't just affect our mental wellbeing — it increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and premature death as much as smoking or obesity. Longevity begins with systems: trusted, accessible, affordable care. Across the Global South, we've already seen how simple, system-level investments in prevention can dramatically improve outcomes: These stories prove what's possible, even when resources are scarce. The tools to extend life are in frontline clinics, community health programs, and policies that make prevention accessible. And the returns on longevity are not only social — they're economic. Longer, healthier lives translate into stronger labor markets, rising incomes, and growing consumer demand. In emerging markets, simple interventions can deliver outsized gains for both health and financial returns. Healthcare systems in Asia, for example, trade at 2-3x the valuations of comparable U.S. systems — driven by demand, demographic momentum, and the ability to leapfrog outdated, rigid infrastructure. These markets can build more efficient, tech-enabled health systems from the ground up. Ultimately, each of us must be the quarterback of our own health and longevity. As Dr. Richa Chaturvedi, a leading endocrinologist in India, reminds us, 'Longevity is a fascinating mix of what we inherit from our parents and the choices we make every day. While our genes do set the stage—some people are simply born with a head start—most research agrees that how we live plays a bigger part in how long and how well we live. Things like what we eat, how active we are, how we handle stress, and whether we avoid harmful habits like smoking can make a huge difference, sometimes even outweighing family history. So, even if you don't come from a long line of centenarians, there's a lot you can do to stack the odds in your favour and enjoy a longer, healthier life.' However, without systems that enable those choices, people — especially in the Global South — are left behind. Longevity is a fascinating mix of what we inherit from our parents and the choices we make every most effective healthcare systems are built on a foundation of prevention — not just flashy tech, but high-quality, accessible care that ensures everyone can benefit from something as simple and powerful as an annual health check. To truly democratize longevity, we need: ✔ Affordable, high-quality healthcare and diagnostics, centered around primary care ✔ Financing tools like microinsurance and wellness-linked savings ✔ Investments in frontline workers and community health teams ✔ Regulations that promote access to nutritious food and clean environments ✔ Policies that remove barriers — particularly for women, rural communities, and aging populations The same drivers fueling longevity businesses in the West — prevention, proactive care, system design — are even more scalable, and often more urgent, in the Global systems that empower healthier, longer lives isn't just a moral imperative — it's an economic one. And it's one of the most investable opportunities of our time. If longevity is the next frontier of human progress, it must belong to all of us — not only those of us who can afford it.
