The Human Longevity Project, created by Jason Prall, aims to improve health in our lifestyles and give us the knowledge to slow down the ageing process. Filmed in over 50 locations throughout nine countries, the project took more than two years to complete.
Over 90 health experts, including popular British doctor Rangan Chatterjee, were interviewed for the nine part series and give their views on the decline of health in modern society and the changes we can and must make.
Elders from around the world, some who are over one hundred years old, talk about how life today is so different and they share their secrets on living a long and healthy life. Read below to see the highlights of each of the episodes.
Episode 1 – THE TRUTH ABOUT AGING: Can it be slowed or even reversed
Jason Prall’s words have a powerful impact right at the start of the series’ opening episode when he tells us that experts predict that the current generation of US children will be the first in history to live shorter lives than their parents.
The rapid changes that have taken place in the last few decades have played a significant role in the decline of our health. Ancestral lifestyle expert Robb Wolf rightly says that we’ve seen every facet of our lives change “in a larger way than has ever happened in the totality of the rest of history”. The industrialisation of food, the information age, and our ultra-convenient lifestyles have come with a big package of consequences for us.
Chronic illnesses have increased with all the changes in the last five or six decades. In the western industrialised world, rates of ADHD, autism and asthma are skyrocketing. Instead of tackling the root of the problem, we’ve become too dependent on the healthcare system and medication. The situation is out of control and we need to make many changes.
Before the series addresses longevity, there is a discussion about the ageing process to help us gain a better understanding of it. Much focus is placed on the mitochondria (the powerhouse in our cells that makes energy) and the role they play in our bodies.
As your body has over a quadrillion mitochondria you’ll get the picture of why it’s important to look after their health. You’ll also get familiar with the words microbiome, microbiota , and epigenetics throughout the 60 minutes of episode one.
Episode 2 – THE GUT AND IMMUNE SYSTEM: How microbes keep you free of disease
A good piece of advice is given before you start watching this episode when Jason recommends taking notes. Indeed, episode 2 is packed full of information. It further explores the microbiota (the population of microbes in any part of the body) and the microbiome (the totality of microbes and their genetic elements).
Scientists now know how massively important the gut microbiome is; it affects how you think and feel and it’s called the “second brain” by some experts. The scientific knowledge we have gained about the microbiome has impacted all fields – cardiology and neurology for example.
Pesticides, miticides, fungicides and the hugely controversial herbicide glyphosate are all key players in having negative effects on our gut microbiomes. Similarly, antibiotics can destroy our healthy gut microbiota, and it’s widely known that this medication is over prescribed in the west. It is proven that Parkinson’s begins in the gut microbiome, and depression and anxiety are also linked to the gut.
If longevity is something you desire then it is crucial to optimise the health of your own gut microbiome and minimise the amount of toxic chemicals that go into your body.
Episode 3 – DIET & EXERCISE: The surprising habits of healthy populations
Some of the beliefs about food in the western world are analysed by the programme’s health experts. Carbs are the latest macronutrient to be (wrongfully) demonised in our society and this can cause problems within our own microbiomes; many good bacterias use carbs as their primary source of food.
Likewise, fats are often viewed as an enemy. Some fats are essential for brain health and other vital functions in the body. The health experts speculate whether protein will be the next macronutrient to be seen as the bad guy.
The dangers of GMOs are discussed and the damage they can do to our bodies. Jeffrey Smith, consumer health advocate, explains that tampering with DNA can create new toxins and allergens in our food. Many of the experts agree and suggest eating organic foods is the best option.
Anyone who enjoys exercise and physical activity will find the last section of this episode of The Human Longevity Project particularly pleasing. Many of the benefits of exercise are talked about, such as improved brain health and injury prevention, and you’ll find out about the importance of your grip strength for longevity.
The elders give their views on physical activity and remind us that walking – a movement which most of us do too little of – is necessary for a fit, healthy existence.
Episode 4 – TOXIC PLANET: How to be healthy in a sick world
“We live in this toxic soup”. Beth Lambert, children’s health educator, gives a picture of what modern life is like. Since the early 1900s, over 80,000 chemicals have been developed and many of these are untested for effects on human health.
It seems that since the introduction of chemicals, disease and illness rates have increased dramatically. Aluminium, mercury and lead are some of the main chemical culprits in contributing to the deterioration in human health.
Connecting with nature is a necessity for our physical and mental wellbeing. A walk through a forest, for example, can improve our mood, immunity, and creativity. In the past, people spent more time in natural environments, whereas today we have far less connection with them.
Okinawan Matsume Oshiro, aged 74, tells us “People that live long, are in harmony with nature.” There’s surely a lot we can learn from her words of wisdom.
Episode 5 – SLEEP, LIGHT & DISEASE: Where the western world went wrong and how to fix it
In our hectic fast-paced lifestyles in western society, it’s clear that many of us sleep way too little. After watching this episode of The Human Longevity Project you’ll quickly realise that the quality and quantity of your sleep is of paramount importance.
Our bodies are naturally wired up with the cycle of the sun and this influences our sleep patterns. With the increased amount of artificial light and technology in our lives, we are staying awake longer and sacrificing the essential sleep that we need.
Physical and mental recovery takes place in the hours of sleep. Dr. Ted Achacoso emphasises that “human beings are slowly becoming insomniacs.” So it’s little surprise that rates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Burnout Syndrome, and depression are ever increasing. The dangers of radiation from modern technology is discussed later in episode 5. Research has proven that WiFi can have negative effects on the body, such as disrupting melatonin (a hormone necessary for sleep) production.
Gadgets like the Fitbit and the Apple watch may appear to be making you fitter and healthier but they may well be having quite the opposite effect. The experts share plenty of ideas to help you reduce your exposure to some of the dangers this new technology brings.
Episode 6 – RAISING HEALTHY KIDS: Fertility, pregnancy, birth and beyond
Being over two hours in duration makes this episode of “The Human Longevity Project” the longest one in the series. The importance of a healthy pregnancy is focused on early in this informative episode. Everything the mother does during these vital months can affect the baby. Studies have shown that stress, depression, anxiety and other emotions felt by the mother can impact the life span of the child.
The elders speak their thoughts about home births and how giving birth is different in this present age. They say that natural birth is best and that there is too much medical intervention nowadays; humans have managed childbirth for thousands of years without the need for doctors or hospitals.
Some medical professionals say that home birth is not a good option, but there is sufficient evidence to show the multitude of benefits of home birth for a newborn. Several of the programme’s experts tell us their own opinions about children’s vaccines and discuss the good and the bad about them during episode six They tend to agree that vaccines contain toxic metals (aluminium, lead, mercury) that can cause chronic illnesses or allergies.
Depending on a person’s genetic makeup, vaccines can be risky to them, and quite possibly unnecessary to use if one’s immune system is strong. This is certainly a thought provoking part of episode six that could well change your views on vaccination.
Episode 7 – PURPOSE, GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY: What healthy societies know that we don’t
Everyone is busier than ever and our brains are hyper-stimulated as we are constantly bombarded with information. Many of us suffer from “decision fatigue” where we are overwhelmed with obligations like social media and emails.
As we have become more immersed in our mobile phone screens and computers, we have become increasingly isolated and lonely. In countries like Costa Rica these types of issues are present on a much smaller scale. The Costa Ricans have strong family values and active communities where people socialise frequently.
In contrast to many western societies, stress levels are far lower in the country. The country’s motto “Pura Vita” (Pure Life) represents their more laid back attitude way of life and living life to the full. Obviously, being stressed regularly is bad for one’s health. To ensure a long and healthy life, we must keep balance between the sympathetic nervous system (for “fight or flight”) and the parasympathetic nervous system (for relaxation).
Yoga, tai chi, meditation and slow breathing can lead us into the parasympathetic state for reducing stress and boosting brain health. Sachin Patel, founder of Living Proof Institute, says the “biggest thing for longevity is happiness.”
Episode 8 – CANCER & ALZHEIMER’S: How centenarians avoid diseases of aging
Experts make some alarming predictions about the future of health in our part of the world. For example, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt tells us that it is possible that half of the western population alive now will die with or of Alzheimer’s disease. The rapid rise of chronic diseases is a major problem that needs to be tackled.
What we do in our younger years can help prevent disease, and physical and cognitive decline in later life. Being physically active can prevent sarcopenia and frailty syndrome, two reasons why falling down can be a killer for elderly people. Likewise, anti-inflammatory diets (eg. plant based) can reduce the chances of the onset of chronic diseases when we age.
Thankfully, our knowledge of diseases and the human body has increased hugely in the last few decades. There is an abundance of information about neurotransmitters, mitochondria, hormones, and diet – all important for preventing chronic diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s – in this episode.
Chris Wark (health coach) and Dr. Keesha Ewers (Integrative Medicine Expert) are both cancer survivors and they talk about their own experiences dealing with this dreadful disease – their views about eliminating negative thoughts to improve the healing process are well-worth listening to.
Episode 9 – THE WAY FORWARD: Combining ancient wisdom with modern technology
Sometimes it seems that all the changes that have happened in the last few decades have done incredible amounts of damage to our lives and environment. The Human Longevity Project elders have seen so many of these drastic changes happen in our societies. More toxins in the environment, contamination of foods, the huge increase in the use of pharmaceutical drugs to name but a few.
Although damage has been done through modernisation, our constant advances in technology will undoubtedly improve our lives in certain ways. The series’ health experts explain how some of today’s technologies, such as blue light blockers, cold laser therapy, and infrared saunas, are already aiding us in improving our health.
The recent understanding of Heart Rate Variability (the time between each pair of heartbeats) has enabled scientists to develop products that let us see how we are coping with life’s stresses. As this technology continues to advance and helps us to optimise our health, it’s possible that it could even help us live more naturally.
Summary
It’s impossible not to appreciate the amount of hard work and time that has gone into the “The Human Longevity Project”, an absorbing and eye-opening documentary series. Every episode has lots of content to educate viewers and a wide range of viewpoints which will stimulate your own thoughts.
Without question, Jason Prall’s “The Human Longevity Project” is a must see series for anyone interested in health and wellness.
