1. **Could and Can All Humans Live up to 100? ** (Some of these will be answered/explored in the presentation)
1.1. Is there evidence of people who have lived up to 100? If so, what are some similarities between them that could possibly be affecting their life expectancy?
1.2. Looking at the Factors Affecting a Human's Lifespan mindmap, what are some things that we have control over to improve lifespan?
1.2.1. For example, humans don't have control over genetics, but they can make changes to their diet.
1.3. Does quality over quantity apply to this question as well? Would it be better to have a shorter life with a healthy, functioning body and mind or is living longer better?
1.3.1. Or, would medical technology be so advanced that we can life a long and healthy life?
1.3.2. What is considered a 'healthy age' to die?
1.4. How will society change with older people in the community? e.g. nursing homes, medical services, food demand
1.5. A key word in this question is ALL. Of course, genetics plays a big part of lifespan, so unfortunately some people are more likely to develop particular conditions than others. However, there are other factors that people have control over, such as eating, lifestyle, and daily habits that affect life expectancy as well. And as more technological advancements are made, there is a possibility that lifespan can increase to 100 years for most people.
2. **Genetics**
2.1. Genetics affects a person's life expectancy value by around 25%. Genetic conditions are inherited genes that increase the likeliness of getting a particular condition, for example, some cancers and birth defects.
3. **Technology**
3.1. Medical technology is advancing rapidly, and many investment companies and scientists are working towards a delay in death.
3.1.1. Genomics is the study of human genomes. It is expected to be a $41 billion industry by 2025, making advancements to gene editing and disease treatments.
3.1.2. Artificial Intelligence can help speed up drug discovery for treating diseases
3.1.3. Some of this medical technology can be used in daily life, for example, health-monitoring devices, which help people to avoid illnesses, making it more likely for people to seek medical treatment before issues become serious and long-term.
3.2. About 200 years ago when medical technology wasn't that developed and medical advice and sanitary practices were unknown, the average life expectancy was less than half of the current lifespan. As technology and medical services continue to advance, it is possible that life expectancy continues to increase.
4. **Environment; pollution**
4.1. The quality of air and how much pollution there is in the environment can affect life span.
4.1.1. Particles of the pollutants in the air enter the lungs and the respiratory system, causing many long-term health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and nervous system disfunctions, and cancer.
4.1.2. The Air Quality Life Index found that in areas with highly polluted air such as India and Bangladesh, lifespan was cut short by up to 10 years.
5. **Mental Health**
5.1. Poor mental health can reduce life expectancy, so it is important to care for your wellbeing. A study by Oxford University psychiatrists shows that serious, untreated mental health issues can reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years.
5.1.1. High-risk behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse and suicide are more common in psychiatric patients.
5.1.2. Mental illnesses also affect the body physically. For example, the prognosis for heart disease, diabetes and cancer increases with mental health disorders, because of many contributing factors, such as hormonal changes and disturbance to everyday activities such as sleep.
6. **Eating**
6.1. Diet and nutrition; Studies have shown that eating healthier can extend lifespan.
6.1.1. Eating healthy protects humans from incommunicable (noninfectious health condition) chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which are both in the top 10 leading causes of death
6.1.1.1. This can start from early in life; breastfeeding is important to supplying the right nutrients to babies, preventing long-term health risks such as obesity and developing noncommunicable diseases later in life (WHO)
6.1.2. Currently, majority of the population is failing to meet the dietary recommendations in Australia. Only 5.4% of adults and 6% of children met the vegetable and fruit requirements.
6.1.2.1. Getting the right amount of nutrients is important to the systems of the body system staying healthy throughout a human's life.
6.1.2.1.1. Vegetables and fruit provide the body with vitamins, minerals, fiber, plant protein and antioxidants. There are some major long-term benefits as well, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
6.1.2.1.2. Vitamins are important for the growth and development of body cells. Humans cannot live without healthy cells, because they make up the body's biological structure and function. It also affects other factors of longevity, such as sleep and mental health.
7. **Lifestyle/Habits**
7.1. Smoking
7.1.1. Smoking allows for harmful chemicals to enter the lungs, which eventually cause long-term effects damaging the rest of the body. A study by BMC Medicine shows that smokers can lose around 10 years of their life.
7.1.1.1. Smoking is Australia's largest preventable cause of death and disease
7.1.1.2. Cancer cells can even grow from chemicals, because of the effect of cancer-causing chemicals causing abnormal growth
7.1.1.3. Two thirds of smokers die from a smoke-related disease
7.1.1.4. Nicotine, a chemical in tobacco, causes veins and arteries to narrow, damaging and speeding up the heart's processes.
7.2. Exercise
7.2.1. The immune and digestive system benefits from exercise
7.2.2. Exercise has many benefits, such as reducing body weight, improve the quality of sleep, and reduce the risk of many diseases.
7.2.3. A study comparing 70 year olds vs 40 year olds showed that active 70 year olds had similar lung capacity, heart, and muscle strength as 40 year olds.
7.2.4. Researchers from the Brigham Young University found that the DNA of adults who took part in active lifestyle habits such as exercise had had longer telomeres (end caps on chromosomes). The shorter the telomeres are, the quicker cells age and die.
7.3. Alcohol
7.3.1. Alcohol is a toxin that can affect life span, especially with prolonged abuse. It can cause serious damage to a person's physical and mental health.
7.3.1.1. It is a depressant, meaning it slows down messages from the brain to the body, so it affects how a person functions.
7.3.1.2. Some of the long term effects of alcohol abuse include liver disease, cancer, and heart disease. It also weakens the immune system, making the person more vulnerable to diseases.
7.4. Religion
7.4.1. Research by physiology researcher Laura Wallace at Ohio State University suggests that religious people can extend lifespan by 4 years
7.4.1.1. Social interaction; religions often promote community engagement, which allows for socialisation and therefore better mental health.
7.4.1.1.1. For example, a study showed that being part of a social community reduces depression and increases healthy self-esteem, especially in high-stress situations such as university life (Cohen, Sherrod, & Clark, 1986).
7.4.1.2. Religion often promotes meditation, prayer or gratitude, is a way to eliminate stresses and be in a state of relaxation.
7.4.1.3. Some religions ban unhealthy habits such as alcohol and drug use, which could be contributing factors, as they reduce life span.