Since the moment we realised we were going to die, humans have sought immortality through religion, great deeds, or having offspring to transfer our egotistical DNA into the next generation. Then there are individuals who think that death only affects other people. 

Consumers spent $43 billion (£33 billion) on anti-ageing products in 2018, including collagen peptide tablets, antioxidant coenzyme Q10 pills, and lotions using lactic acid as an active ingredient. In 2017, according to research from Pitchbook, US anti-aging businesses received $559 million in venture capital investments. 

These companies include BioTime, based in California, which is exploring therapies using embryonic stem cells to restore cell and tissue function; CohBar, which is focusing on modifying the mitochondrial genome to control metabolism and cell death; and Google sister firm Calico, which has a $2.5 billion research budget for age-related disorders. Richard Siow, director of research on ageing at King's College London, says that 'everyone is looking for a miraculous medication that will stop ageing.' 

The most practical strategy to lengthen your life is, in fact, to make adjustments to your nutrition and way of life. As you age, you can't merely adopt these. Because we age from the moment we are born, you must start young. Naturally, a healthy diet and regular exercise won't make people eternal.

preserving neural cells

A substance called nicotinamide riboside, a kind of vitamin B, is present in the dietary supplement Basis from Elysium Health. This transforms into the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, which aids in metabolism, slows down cell ageing, and safeguards nerve cells. 

Over time, NAD+ levels drastically decline. According to some research, the medication makes older mice act and look younger and can lower the incidence of disorders associated with ageing. At least 21 experiments are now underway, however there haven't been any conclusive human trials.

Nutritional studies

At the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California, the oldest autonomous anti-aging research facility in the world, researcher Kenny Wilson studies fruit flies. The institute was created in 1999. Scientists at the institute have discovered the FOXO gene through their work with fruit flies, which helps the young adapt to dietary changes but impairs the metabolism of the elderly - in both fruit flies and humans. Investigating the gene may help explain why dietary restriction lengthens lifespan in a number of species, including humans.

freeze-thaw technology

Alexey Samykin, a Russian transhumanist, is pictured in front of two containers holding frozen remains at one of KrioRus' two facilities in Moscow. Samykin intends to move into this apartment, while PayPal founder Peter Thiel and computer scientist Ray Kurzweil have reservations at comparable US facilities. 

Since the urban legend that Walt Disney's brain was cryogenically frozen with the intention of being reanimated surfaced, the cryonics movement's principles have received both popular and scientific support.

Identifying DNA

In one of the several bio-repositories across the world that stores biological samples for use in research, particularly genomics, lab worker Steve Hoyland works in the UK's Biobank DNA vault in Stockport. 500,000 volunteers who were between the ages of 40 and 69 when they signed up for the UK Biobank research are being followed for at least 30 years. Identified linkages between parental longevity and children's risk of age-related disease. Described the microstructural changes in ageing brains. Demonstrated that chromosome structure affects lifespan.

limb replacement

The Italian biomedical engineering firm Skorpion Medical produced this 3D print of a hand as an illustration of the improvements in prototype assistive technology for the elderly, which range from the HU-GO 3D printed wheelchair to individualised devices for arthritis sufferers. To support or replace broken limbs or failing teeth, Skorpion Medical prints out special orthopaedic and orthodontic implants. The company can also stimulate organs to aid surgeons in their preoperative planning.