On July 17, the American supercentenarian, Louise Levy, died at the age of 112. Levy was one of more than 700 people who were part of a study on the relationship between longevity and genetics, so her demise has garnered extensive coverage across the global media landscape. The number of centenarians is growing from 95,000 people in 1990 to more than 450,000 in 2015 worldwide. Yet, supercentenarians -- those surpassing the remarkable age of 110 -- remain exceedingly scarce. According to scientists who study aging, the count of living supercentenarians today does not exceed 500.

Supercentenarians don't just accumulate years; they enjoy a long and healthy life without the burden of diseases. Even at the venerable age of 112, Levy’s life was untroubled by afflictions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. What was the secret to her longevity? Levy herself believed that her positive attitude, a diet low in cholesterol, and daily consumption of a glass of red wine helped. However, according to Nir Vazilai, a scientist who has long studied the genetic characteristics of long-lived people, the answer lies in genetics. Louise Levy hailed from a lineage of Ashkenazi Jews, a heritage that bestows a genetic variation capable of retarding the march of time and diminishing the specter of chronic maladies like heart disease and diabetes. According to Barzilai, this diminished risk remains inexplicable except in the context of genetics. An astonishing 60 percent of these individuals are smokers, half of them are overweight or obese, and less than half regularly engage in exercise. These counterintuitive statistics owe their credibility solely to genetic influence.

Let's be clear: this shouldn't be taken as an endorsement for smoking, avoiding exercise, or carrying excess weight.  If you don't have the genes for longevity, you need to alter your external circumstances to extend your lifespan. When eating, portion control is essential. Centenarians don't have to try cutting calorie intake to be in similar shape to someone on a calorie-restricted diet. This is because reducing calorie intake through fasting or intermittent fasting lowers blood insulin levels and improves insulin sensitivity, which is what people blessed with longevity genes do without much effort.

We admire them but our genes can't be altered. Our only recourse is to consume less and move more. Nevertheless, with reduced eating, maintaining nutrient balance to prevent malnutrition is crucial. It is also important to be cautious of falls when increasing physical activity. The passing of Louise Levi was attributed to a hip fracture. Following surgery and rehabilitation, an infection led to her weakening. Being immobilized from a hip fracture results in muscle loss, diminished metabolism, and swift health deterioration. Even after recuperation, the likelihood of subsequent fractures remains elevated.

Scientists are striving to develop medications emulating the genes of centenarians and supercentenarians to prolong individuals' healthful lifespans. Nevertheless, we have simple remedies devoid of pharmaceuticals: Consume smaller portions and engage in increased physical activity.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on Aug. 3, 2023. – Ed.