Longevity Escape Velocity, or LEV is a term in anti-aging and life extension. It refers to the point where scientific advancements extend the human lifespan faster than the rate of aging. Futurist and life extension advocate Aubrey de Grey popularized the term; he is also the founder of the Longevity Escape Velocity Foundation. The term originates from space travel, where “escape velocity” refers to the speed needed to break free from a celestial body’s gravitational pull.
Aging is a complex process involving various factors, such as genetic and environmental influences. LEV is achieved when medical interventions slow down or reverse aging, allowing individuals to maintain a youthful biological state. This concept has generated significant interest among biohackers and longevity enthusiasts, who aim to extend their lifespans through various means.
In the video I found below, Richard from the Modern Healthspan YouTube Channel interviews Dr Aubrey de Grey about Longevity Escape Velocity.
To reach LEV, biohackers engage in various practices, including:
- Caloric restriction
- Regular exercise
- Intermittent fasting
- Taking supplements like resveratrol and NAD+ boosters
- Engaging in hormesis, such as cold exposure or heat therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Genetic modification
Books discussing LEV and related concepts include:
- “Ending Aging” by Aubrey de Grey and Michael Rae outlines the Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) approach to combating aging.
- “Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To” by David A. Sinclair explores the latest research on aging and provides practical tips for extending the human lifespan.
- “The Longevity Diet” by Valter Longo presents a scientifically designed diet and lifestyle plan for promoting health and longevity.
As a whole, we have yet to reach LEV, but progress is being made. Some experts predict we may be 10-20 years away from significant life extension breakthroughs. The timeline, however, is still being determined and depends on the advancements in biotechnology and scientific understanding of aging processes.
LEV remains a fascinating topic for those interested in longevity and life extension. As research continues to advance, biohackers and scientists alike eagerly await the day when LEV becomes a reality, potentially transforming how we live and approach aging.