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The Good Lifestyle changes and some nutrients show longevity enhancement in animal tests, and it seems likely (obvious) that eating well, exercising moderately, and ensuring a good intake of antioxidants and other longevity-enhancing compounds will diminish the ravages of age. *

The Not-So-GoodWell, no outright cure for aging and ultimately, death, has been discovered. But on a more serious note, the human research on longevity is limited, and the best we can generally do is extrapolate from animal models (that don't necessarily apply to humans). That said, the cost-benefit of eating well, exercising, and taking a few of the top-contender supplements (for example, antioxidants, resveratrol, and benfotiamine) seems a no-brainer. Also, maintaining a healthy-low blood sugar reading seems an important factor for slowing aging.
 
Resources The latest research on longevity and supplements (or other health practices) can be found at LifeExtension.com or the highly-informative forums at The Immortality Institute site.

Issues There are several theories of aging -- mitochondrial, free-radical (oxidation, simplistically), and telomeric among them. Lesser theories abound. Confusion (somewhat) reigns. For example, Seventh Day Adventists, who are vegetarian, generally enjoy better-than-usual health and lifespan. But those that make it into their eighties and nineties do worse than a similar sample of meat-eaters. Explanation? Some theorize that benefits of Carnosine, found in meat, eventually shine for those that have survived a carnivorous diet long enough. Carnosine has a positive (that is, limiting) impact on protein cross-linking that tends to happen (and damage cells) in aging humans.

Evidence suggests that insulin levels can be a major positive or negative influence on lifespan, and that for longevity, ideal blood sugar levels should be 86 or lower. Consult the blood sugar section for hints on keeping your blood sugar down.

 Longevity Supplements Table The table below summarizes the current research for nutritional and lifestyle effects on longevity. In some cases, the research is stronger than in others, but this table should be used only as a general guideline, in any case. Anyone embarking on a nutritional/exercise regimen should work with a sympathetic doctor, particularly if medications are also being taken.

Useful Nutrients A top-N list of supplements known or suspected to slow aging is shown in the
below. But good places to start are r-lipoic acid (with) acetyl-l-carnitine, resveratrol, coenzyme q-10, a good multi-vitamin or two, and a good antioxident blend. That said, enjoying life, exercising, managing your weight, and eating a good diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables are probably at least as important.

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