Immortality has always been a timeless fantasy of humankind. The dream of living forever has driven centuries of research into aging and longevity. While aging is an inevitable process—a natural rhythm of life—humans have continuously sought ways to slow it down. Time itself cannot be stopped; it flows unceasingly. The truth remains that every living body will perish sooner or later, no matter who we are or what we do. Yet the good news is that we can meaningfully extend our lifespan through conscious choices—by improving our diet, staying active, and maintaining good medical care.
According to the World Health Organization, the average global life expectancy in 2016 was 72 years. In developed nations like Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland, people often live much longer, while in some underdeveloped countries, life expectancy can be as low as 44 years. But how far can one truly push the limits of human life? Medical records reveal that the longest-lived human reached 122 years, and many others have lived past 110. It seems possible, at least biologically, for humans to live up to 120 years—though this depends on genetics, lifestyle, and how well one takes care of both body and mind.
Food should not be viewed merely as a source of energy but as daily medicine—a means to rejuvenate and preserve oneself.
Now, imagine this: your body is perfectly healthy. Every organ functions flawlessly. But there’s one small problem—your brain no longer remembers. Your memory fades, and you forget the people you love: your spouse, your children, even your own identity. You no longer remember whether you’ve eaten breakfast or what your favorite TV show is. The worst nightmare of all—you forget who you are.
Would you still consider that a life worth living?
It isn’t the body that defines who you are—it’s your memories. Your joys and sorrows, your relationships, your passions—all exist only within your mind. When memory disappears, the self dissolves. You lose everything that makes you you. So, when we think of slowing aging, preserving our memories should be just as important as preserving our bodies.
The scenario described above is a painful reality for millions suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 30 million people worldwide live with this condition—people who, in a sense, have already lost their lives, while their bodies remain waiting for the inevitable end.
So, what is the value of the body when the mind no longer recognizes itself?
The goal of living long, therefore, should not merely be to sustain a healthy body, but to nurture a healthy brain, sharp memory, and clear mind. The true age of your brain is not measured by the calendar, but by the memories it holds. Lose your memories, and you lose years of your inner life. While calendars, notes, and others around you may remind you of how old you are, it is your mind that truly measures time. If you lose your mind, you lose your sense of time—and with it, the very essence of life itself.
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