Why Centenarians Are Defying Science: Secrets to Living 100+

Why Centenarians Are Defying Science: Secrets to Living 100+

Author: Dr. Kara Fitzgerald August 17, 2025 Duration: 1:22:19
It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Nir Barzilai for a conversation that turned out to be both lively and thought-provoking. His decades of research on centenarians, biological age, and the hallmarks of aging have shaped how we think about longevity—and what’s possible when we start targeting aging itself, not just individual diseases.

We get into the science behind why some people live 20–30 years longer and healthier, and what it means to measure the biological age of individual organs. But we also hit a few sparks—especially when it comes to nutraceuticals and the role of metformin in prevention. I don’t agree with everything you’ll hear, and I followed up with Dr. Barzilai afterward to unpack some of the more provocative claims. We may just need a second round for this one... stay tuned.

Check out the show notes at www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for all the relevant links and resources. ~DrKF

Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources.

GUEST DETAILS Nir Barzilai M.D. Director of the Einstein Institute for Aging Research Professor of Medicine and Genetics President of the Academy for Health & Lifespan Research

Website: https://einsteinmed.edu/faculty/484/nir-barzilai

Email: nir.barzilai@einsteinmed.edu

Dr. Nir Barzilai is a pioneer in aging science, known for his work on centenarians, the biology of aging, and the TAME trial. He is Director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and author of Age Later and has published over 330 papers.

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In each episode of Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics, host Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with leading researchers and clinicians to explore the intricate science that is reshaping our approach to health. These conversations move beyond surface-level advice, digging into the mechanisms of epigenetics and the practical strategies for extending healthspan. You’ll hear detailed discussions on emerging research, with a focus on how our environment and choices influence genetic expression over a lifetime. This podcast is designed for anyone curious about the actionable science behind longevity, from healthcare practitioners seeking clinical insights to informed patients ready to engage deeply with their own wellness. The dialogue is grounded in functional medicine principles, translating complex studies into meaningful information that can be applied both in clinical settings and daily life. Dr. Fitzgerald guides these explorations with a clear and thoughtful perspective, ensuring each episode builds a comprehensive understanding of how modern science is personalizing the path to lasting health. Tune in for a nuanced and evidence-based journey to the forefront of medicine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics
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