SYBILLE BUCHWALD-WERNER
Vital Solutions GmbH, Germany

On New Year’s Eve WHO published 20 health tips for 2020 to start the new decade with good resolutions to improve quality of life. For sure, these tips are related to healthy lifestyle, like follow a healthy diet, be active, respect hygiene regulations and have regular medical check-ups (1). We all know that a healthy lifestyle may support healthy aging and may also increase our life expectancy. But are we prepared to live with the consequences? Are we prepared to become 100 years old?

LET’S LOOK FIRST AT THE STATISTICS 
Over the last decades, life expectancy has increased dramatically around the globe. The average person born today could expect to live 72 years (2). A key reason for the increase in life expectancy is the decline of child mortality. In addition, medical advances and accessibility to healthcare facilities have helped to increase the survival rates in various ages. Overall a safe environment, cleaner and better living and working conditions are the most important factors for longer human lifespan.

LET’S LOOK AT THE SCIENCE

New technologies, ...