Instant Expert: How to live a long, healthy life
Saturday 8 February 2025, 10am - 5pm | Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS
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“Live Long and Prosper” is the famous Vulcan greeting from the classic Sci-Fi series Star Trek. But how can we actually achieve this and how can the latest scientific research help?
Research into longevity (the science of living longer) and human flourishing (living with positive psychological and social functioning) has exploded in recent years, with organisations such as the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard leading the way.
But how much can we really affect our lifespan? Are longevity advocates selling snake oil or are there genuine interventions that will help us to live longer? And can science really help you live a happier, more fulfilled life?
Join six experts from across the scientific disciplines to discover if science has the answers to a longer, healthier life.
At this Instant Expert, you’ll:
· Learn about the latest research into longevity and how scientists are tackling the quest to live forever.
· Hear about what science says about living a fulfilling and satisfying life.
· Engage with world-leading experts across an array of scientific topics.
· Discover how new medical treatments could be the key to extending life expectancy.
Talks and speakers include:
Talk 1: The longevity diet
Graham Lawton, Staff writer, New Scientist
Discover how a scientifically backed longevity diet could add years to your life by changing what, when, and how much you eat to slow ageing and prevent illness.
Could you add years to your life just by changing your diet? Graham Lawton will reveal how a groundbreaking longevity diet, rooted in extensive scientific research, can potentially extend your life by years. This diet focuses on altering what, when, and how much you eat to not only prevent illness but also slow down the ageing process at the cellular level. Join Graham to explore practical dietary changes that could lead to a longer, healthier life.
Talk 2: How and why to sleep for health, happiness and longevity
Sophie Bostock, Founder, The Sleep Scientist
Explore the latest research and shares practical strategies to transform your sleep from ‘not so good’ to great, boosting both your daily energy and long-term health.
According to a recent survey by Nuffield Health, only 36 per cent of respondents said their sleep was ‘good’. So how can we improve our sleep and what difference will it really make? In this talk, Sophie Bostock will explore the profound impact of sleep on both our day-to-day experience, and our long term health. She will delve into the latest research into how to improve sleep quality, and share simple strategies to transform your sleep from not so good, to great.
Talk 3: What is ageing?
David Gems, Professor of biogerontology, University College London
Explore the biological mechanisms and evolutionary theories of aging, with insights from research on model organisms like C. elegans, to better understand human longevity and age-related diseases.
Ageing is now the number one cause of disease and death worldwide. Yet among scientists who study it there remains a lack of consensus about the underlying biological mechanisms that cause it. David Gems has spent 30 years conducting experimental research to test and develop theories of ageing. In his talk, he will describe recent advances towards answering this question, which is perhaps the greatest puzzle in medical research. Solving it is key to the development of interventions that slow ageing and delay the arrival of its ghastly attendants, including heart disease, cancer, dementia, arthritis and many, many more.
Talk 4: Snacktivity™: Revolutionising daily exercise
Amanda Daley, Professor of behavioural medicine, Loughborough University
Learn how small, powerful “activity snacks” can transform your health, reduce the risk of cancer and depression, and lower your chances of premature death!
How much physical activity should we be doing each day? Amanda Daley will provide an expert summary of the latest research on the health benefits of exercise, including its role in reducing the risk of cancer and treating depression. Amanda will also discuss the development of an innovative approach to promoting physical activity called Snacktivity™, which encourages small 2-5 minute ‘activity snacks’ throughout the day. Additionally, she will offer practical examples of how individuals can incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines and reduce sedentary time, ultimately aiming to lower the risk of premature death.
Talk 5: Live Forever? A curious scientist’s guide to wellness, disease and ageing
John Tregoning, Professor of vaccine immunology, Imperial College London
Exploring the science behind ageing, including the causes of ageing, what can extend your life, and whether the latest longevity trends have any scientific merit.
Entering his late 40’s Professor John Tregoning realised he may not be as immortal as he once thought. Drawing on his 25 year research experience, he set about exploring the most likely causes of death and what if anything he might do about it. In this talk Professor Tregoning will explain how our organs work, how they fail us and what has changed to increase our life span. He will also describe his attempts to prolong his life and the science (if any) behind longevity advice.
Talk 6: The scientific way to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption
Melissa Oldham, Senior research fellow, University College London
Discover the latest science-backed strategies for safely reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption and breaking free from these addictive habits.
Is there a safe level of tobacco smoking? What about drinking alcohol? And what are the most effective behavioural science methods to reduce both? Join Melissa Oldham as she reveals the latest evidence on the benefits of reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption, and how her research helps people cut down on these addictive substances.
Who should attend?
This masterclass is designed for everyone who wants to learn about the latest research into longevity and how scientists are tackling the quest to live forever.
Become an expert in one day
Informal set-up, meet like minded people
Open your mind, be inspired
Unique chance to ask your burning questions to our experts
What's included in your ticket:
In-depth and engaging talks from six leading scientists
Ask-an-expert Question Time session
Your chance to meet our six speakers and New Scientist host
Exclusive on-the-day New Scientist subscription deal, book and merchandise offers
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Booking information:
The event will be held at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS
Doors will open at 9:15am, with talks commencing at 10am sharp. The event will finish at 5pm.
We require the name of each person attending - please ensure this is provided at the time of booking. If you need to change the name of an attendee, please notify us as soon as possible: live@newscientist.com
Eventbrite will email you your ticket(s) immediately after purchase. Please remember to bring your ticket(s) with you as you'll need it to gain entry. We can scan tickets from a print out, or off the screen of a phone / tablet / smartwatch.
The schedule / exact running order for the day will be confirmed closer to the event, and will be emailed to all ticket holders.
Lunch will NOT be provided at this event. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase lunch at one of the many establishments in the surrounding area.
Should you require details about disabled access, please contact us at: live@newscientist.com
Tickets are non-transferable to any other New Scientist event.
All tickets are non-refundable.
New Scientist reserves the right to alter the event and its line-up, or cancel the event. In the unlikely event of cancellation, all tickets will be fully refunded. New Scientist Ltd will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred by ticket holders in relation to the event.
Tickets are subject to availability and are only available in advance through Eventbrite.