Longevity has become a buzzword in modern health circles, dominating everything from podcasts to TikTok feeds. The fascination points to a simple desire to live well and live well longer. That instinct drives global public-health conversations around “healthy aging” and helps explain why societies across history developed practices to extend vitality. Physicians and sociologists measure this not only by age but by “quality-of-life years,” the span in which we move comfortably, think clearly, stay engaged, and enjoy the people around us.















