CNN - Are scientists on the track of the fountain of youth?

Are scientists on the track of the fountain of youth?

July 5, 1996
Web posted at: 1:10 a.m. EDT

From Correspondent Andrew Holtz

(CNN) -- A report released Thursday in the journal "Science" highlights the milestones scientists have achieved in helping millions of people face the challenges of aging.

Scientists point to experiments suggesting that while our genes influence aging, there is no program that limits our life-span.

According to the scientists, the oxygen we need to live also causes damage that builds up. So researchers altered fruit flies to boost anti-oxidant defenses and by so doing lengthened the life-spans of fruitflies and other animals.

"What happens is that they live longer, and they are more vigorous and the age-related changes that take place in their cells and body are delayed," said Raj Sohar of Southern Methodist University.

Unfortunately, popping anti-oxidant vitamins is not a proven solution to warding off the effects of aging.

Instead, scientists suggest trying to lower metabolism by eating less and including in the diet a lot of fruits and vegetables high in anti-oxidants.

Benefits of rest and moderation

Metabolism can also be lowered by taking naps.

And while exercise is good, extreme levels of activity may not offer any advantage.

Unlike fruitflies, people cannot yet be genetically engineered to live longer. However genes are important.

"You can find the occasional 90-year-old whose knee joints look like that of a 20-year-old," said David Finkelstein of the National Institute of Aging. "Now there must be something driving that."

The promise of genetics may be to find ways to slow the rate of wear and tear on our bodies.

"I suspect the life-span will increase due to the interventions we can make," said Finkelstein. "Will we live? Will we be immortal? I tend to doubt it."

Some researchers say the big picture is as much philosophy as science.

"At this time we have no choice, we all are going to die," said Sohar. "So the best thing to do is lead a sensible life, try to enjoy each day. I mean a lot of these people who want to live forever are pretty miserable human beings."

Related sites:

National Instute on Aging
Southern Methodist University

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Are scientists on the track of the fountain of youth?

Benefits of rest and moderation

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