Romania is set to embark on a significant endeavour in the field of longevity with the inauguration of the "Longevity Map of Romania" project, spearheaded by the Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania. This pioneering initiative, a first of its kind in the country, aims to construct a map delineating the locations where longevity is most prevalent and to ascertain the underlying factors that contribute to a long and healthy life.
Why do we need a Longevity Map of Romania?
The longevity of a population is becoming an increasingly important indicator of the quality of life enjoyed by that population. Romania, however, ranks worryingly low in European and global rankings in this regard. With a life expectancy of 76.6 years, the country is placed 33rd in Europe and 95th globally, according to the latest figures from Eurostat (2023). These figures raise questions about the lifestyle and health policies currently in place in Romania.
The Longevity Map is not merely a rudimentary statistic; rather, it is a multifaceted scientific research initiative that seeks to elucidate the pivotal factors that can influence the duration and quality of our lives. The study will demonstrate which regions in Romania have the highest concentration of individuals aged 85 and above, and what factors have contributed to their longevity.
Longevity and lifestyle - What can we learn?
The quantitative research phase of the project has already identified a number of areas in Romania where people frequently live beyond the age of 85 and achieve advanced ages. These are communities with a distinctive lifestyle, and it is possible that this will prove to be the key to understanding how these Romanians enjoy long, healthy and happy old age.
The objective of the quantitative research phase is to identify the determining factors in the particular longevity of these individuals. These may include their traditional, less or unprocessed diets, their active lifestyles, or other factors that the study will uncover. What is certain is that the project's experts will find the answer to the question "Why do some Romanians live longer and better?" and offer solutions that apply to everyone.
What can we do to prolong our lives?
Longevity expert Raluca Prodan emphasises the importance of prevention and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle from an early age. In an interview with Health Tip, she stated, "We should be building our old age from a young age." This implies that, as early as age 35, individuals should undergo genetic testing to gain insight into how their bodies respond to different foods and to identify potential risk factors associated with their genetic inheritance.
When considering the future, it is crucial to prepare for a long and healthy old age. While detailed research into the factors that contribute to longevity is ongoing, there are some general steps that can be taken to increase the likelihood of living longer and in a more optimal state.
It is important to focus on developing lifestyle habits that promote long-term health. This ideally includes maintaining a balance between daily activities, nutrition and mental state. Although we cannot control all aspects of life, investing time and attention to our health can make a significant difference in the future.
As new data becomes available from the Longevity Map of Romania project, we will be able to better understand what we can do to increase our chances of healthy ageing.
Longevity, a lifestyle choice
The Longevity Map of Romania project is not merely an exercise in research; it is, in fact, a clarion call for change. As the final results will be presented in October at the Romanian Academy, we will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that differentiate between a short and a long life and to apply these findings to our everyday lives.
Ultimately, longevity is not merely a matter of genetics; rather, it is the consequence of deliberate lifestyle decisions. The selection of a nutritious diet, the pursuit of physical and mental activity, and the maintenance of health before the onset of illness are crucial factors in achieving longevity.
