Future Of Aging: Dr. Valter Longo, Professor and Director, USC Longevity Institute

Global aging trends show a significant shift in demographics, with approximately 10% of the world's population aged 65 and over. This proportion is expected to double by 2050, reaching about 1.5 billion people. The old-age dependency ratio, currently at about 14 elderly per 100 working-age individuals globally, is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. Additionally, the number of centenarians worldwide, estimated at 573,000, is expected to grow more than sixfold by 2050, reaching 3.7 million.

In this captivating episode, I delve into aging research with Dr. Valter Longo, a renowned expert who challenges conventional wisdom on longevity and nutrition. Dr. Longo explores whether aging should be classified as a disease or viewed as a natural life process, sharing insights from his centenarian studies. He introduces his research-based "Longevity Diet," designed to extend health span and potential lifespan while debunking the prevalent "protein culture" myth that encourages excessive protein consumption.

Dr. Longo's approach to aging is both refreshing and thought-provoking. Rather than viewing aging as something to be avoided, he advocates for embracing it gracefully through proper nutrition and physical activity. This perspective, combined with practical advice drawn from his extensive research, offers listeners a new way to think about and optimize their aging process. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in living a longer, healthier life, making it a must-listen for those curious about the science of longevity and personal well-being.

About
Dr. Longo studied biochemistry as an undergraduate at the University of North Texas and received his PhD in Biochemistry from UCLA, where he worked under calorie restriction guru Roy Walford, MD. He completed his postdoctoral training in neurobiology with longevity pioneer, Caleb Finch, PhD. He also received extensive training in immunology, endocrinology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, and pathology.

His studies focus on the fundamental mechanisms of aging in simple organisms and mice and how these mechanisms can be translated to humans. The Longo laboratory has identified some of the key genetic pathways that regulate aging in simple organisms and has demonstrated that the inactivation of such pathways can reduce the incidence or progression of multiple diseases in mice and humans. His laboratory has also developed dietary and genetic interventions that protect normal cells while sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy— interventions are now being tested in many US and European hospitals.

The Longo laboratory recently published key findings on a 5-day periodic dietary intervention called Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), and showed in randomized clinical trials that FMD reduces the risk factors and markers associated with aging and diseases. Dr. Longo’s most recent studies focus on the use of FMD interventions to activate stem cell-based regeneration to promote longevity.

Dr. Longo has received numerous awards for his work: the 2010 Nathan Shock Lecture Award from the National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH), the 2013 Vincent Cristofalo “Rising Star” Award in Aging Research from the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), the 2016 Merz Professorship, the 2016 Boehaave Professorship, the 2016 Jubilee Professorship, and the 2016 Glenn Award for research on aging. In 2018 he was named by “Time Magazine” one of the 50 most influential people in health care for his research on fasting-mimicking diets as a way to improve health and prevent disease.