Aging is inevitable, but scientists are increasingly convinced that how we age is malleable.
A recent interview with longevity researcher Dr. Nir Barzilai in TIME magazine explores why some people live to 100 and beyond while remaining healthy, and how his work could help more of us stay vibrant into old age. Below is a recap of the article and how the findings connect with ChipMonk Baking’s mission to support healthier lifestyles.
The science of aging and longevity
Dr. Barzilai directs the Institute for Aging Research at New York’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He believes that we are part of a revolution: instead of accepting age‑related diseases like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s as inevitable, researchers are targeting aging itself. Aging drives many of these conditions, so slowing the aging process could delay or prevent them.
Barzilai’s interest in longevity started when, as a teenager, he noticed his grandfather then only in his 60s already showing the frailty of old age. Later he learned that biological age (how quickly your body is wearing out) can differ from chronological age (the number of candles on your cake), a realization that gave him hope we might age better.
Research on centenarians (people who live past 100) supports his optimism. Barzilai’s team has studied around 850 individuals who reached 100 or more and found that, on average, they developed diseases 30 years later than the general population and spent only a short period being ill before death. Genetics plays a big role many centenarians carry gene variants that dampen the body’s growth hormone pathways, reducing the energy spent on growth and shifting it toward repair. Dr. Barzilai notes that although most of us aren’t born with those genes, identifying them can inspire drugs that mimic their protective effects.
What we can do today: lifestyle strategies
While scientists search for “longevity genes,” Barzilai says there is plenty we can do now. He emphasises basic pillars of health sleep, exercise, diet and social connectivity which have biological effects that make them beneficial at any age. He cautions against the proliferation of unregulated “anti‑aging” supplements: bottles may not contain what they claim, and interactions between supplements aren’t always understood.
He is more optimistic about several prescription drugs already approved for other uses, including the diabetes medicine metformin, GLP‑1 agonists (drugs currently used for diabetes and weight loss) and bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. These medications appear to influence pathways involved in aging; researchers are studying their safety and effectiveness as longevity interventions.
Barzilai also practices intermittent fasting himself, fasting for about 18 hours a day. He credits fasting with weight loss, increased muscle and better mental clarity. Studies in animals suggest that periods without food activate repair pathways that promote longevity.
Emerging therapies on the horizon
What excites Barzilai most about longevity research today? He mentions several frontier treatments:
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – exposing the body to high oxygen levels may help cells repair damage and slow aging.
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Mitochondrial replenishment – as we age, our cells’ powerhouses (mitochondria) decline in number and function. Infusing blood with healthy mitochondria could rejuvenate tissues.
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Partial cellular reprogramming – scientists are learning how to “reset” cells to a younger state. Barzilai envisions a future where young adults receive occasional treatments that keep their cells biologically young.
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Super‑ager studies – the American Federation for Aging Research, where Barzilai serves, is recruiting 10,000 centenarians to identify additional longevity genes and develop targeted therapies.
These ideas are in early stages, but together they illustrate the rapid progress in understanding and potentially modifying aging.
How ChipMonk Baking fits into a longevity lifestyle
At ChipMonk Baking, we’re inspired by science showing that diet plays a central role in healthspan. Dr. Barzilai notes that optimizing nutrition helps slow aging, yet many packaged snacks are loaded with sugar and refined carbs. Our cookies and bites are low‑carb, high‑protein and sweetened naturally, making them a smart choice for people looking to manage their blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
Eating well isn’t the only step on the path to healthy aging, but it’s a powerful one. Combine balanced nutrition with other longevity basics regular exercise, quality sleep, social connection and stress management and you’ll be on your way to feeling younger longer. And as researchers like Dr. Barzilai continue to unlock the secrets of aging, we’ll be cheering them on (with a delicious cookie in hand).
Note: This blog summarises the key insights from Dr. Nir Barzilai’s interview in TIME magazine. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult health professionals before making changes to your lifestyle or taking any medications.
