Ep 7: Old age begins at 45: Dr Suresh Rattan, biogerontologist

In this chat, biogerontologist Dr Suresh Rattan delivers a masterclass in longevity, touching upon biology, longevity trends, even philosophy. The Indian-origin, Denmark-based scientist explains why humans enjoy an “essential lifespan” of 45 years, his interpretation of a “hormetic” and balanced way of life, and how the definition of health changes at different stages of life. He also tells Gen Seasoned co-founder Anuradha Varma why antioxidants have been considered as risks of causing cancer.A specialist in the biology of ageing and longevity, Dr Rattan is also Editor-in-Chief of the international peer reviewed journal Biogerontology, published by Springer Publishers. Listen in! Do share and subscribe!Follow Dr Rattan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Timestamps: Timestamps02:11 After 45, it’s all downhill biologically06:44 What makes us human? The bhajan “Vaishnav jan…” and quality of empathy16:36 Essential lifespan, warranty period or “best before” of a human being is 4524:15 How we can reach 100, as a society28:00 There is no “gerontogene” or enemy gene30:55 The problem with “anti-ageing”; ageing is just happening, not being done to us34:50 Why pills don’t work; on bio-hacker Bryan Johnson40:29 Antioxidants and the link to cancer43:21 Hormetins and health mechanisms for maintenance46:27 United Nations’ Intrinsic capacity to measure health & Dr Rattan’s concept of “homeodynamic space”48:00 Bryan Johnson and plasma transfer; similar successful experiment on rats54:00 UN definition of health; what health means at every stage of life57:00 Measurable markers of Activities of Daily Living — absolute independence vs adequate physical and mental independence01:03:49 The hormetic way of life01:08:24 Meditation and physical exercise exhibit the same stress markers01:12:19 His “Indus Valley Diet”01:22:29 Sustained pleasure is important for a hormetic way of life01:25:50 Nutrition, food and diet for longevity; we eat what we are01:45:17 We have multiple agesEmail: [email protected]: Views and opinions expressed are personal. Listener discretion is advised.