Human Longevity and Ageing

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, a Nobel laureate, addressed the challenges of increasing human life expectancy and the human desire to halt ageing. His insights were shared during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Department of Biochemistry at MS University, aligning with the themes of his book, Why We Die — And How We Can Live Longer.

Key Insights on Ageing

• Life Span Variations:
  • Different species have vastly different lifespans, such as mayflies (a day), giant tortoises (170+ years), and Greenland sharks (several hundred years).
  • This variation suggests potential for understanding ageing and possibly influencing it.
• DNA and Ageing:
  • DNA is comprised of a sequence of chemical letters, which can be altered through environmental impacts.
  • Even non-carcinogenic factors in the natural living process can corrupt DNA.
• Role of Natural Compounds:
  • Many attempts to halt ageing involve natural foods and compounds rather than drugs.
  • While some are scientifically grounded, many lack strong evidence.

Evolution and Mortality

• Mortality Awareness:
  • Humans uniquely understand their mortality, yet all animals have an instinct to live due to evolutionary pressures.
• Lifespan Breakthroughs:
  • Extending human lifespans beyond 110 years requires significant scientific breakthroughs.
  • Comparable to space exploration challenges, these advancements are unpredictable and difficult.

Conclusion

While breakthroughs in science may eventually extend human lifespans, the immediate focus should be on improving health. Most people live into their 80s and 90s, with only a few reaching 110 years. Realistic advancements are expected to improve health rather than significantly increase lifespan.