So, you want to live to 120? The genie in the bottle

摘要

Throughout human history, there has always been a keen interest in methods to prolong a healthy and active lifes-pan. Ponce de Leon's search for the fountain of youth in Florida in the 16th century is but one example of the fascination that anti-aging holds for human beings. Similar quests have been described in literature from ancient Rome and China. If one searches the Internet for anti-aging interventions, a vast array of techniques are offered, from starvation regimes to dietary supplements and growth hormones. All are for sale, but none so far have been proven as the magic bullet, despite exorbitant claims on many of the websites.