World Summit Outlines Core Principles for Healthy Longevity

Why Healthy Longevity Demands a New Global Focus

Healthy Longevity has become a central clinical and societal priority as populations age rapidly across all income levels. Although people are living longer, many still spend their later years managing chronic illness or disability. At the World Longevity Summit held in Kyotango, Japan, one of the nation’s “living laboratories” of exceptional aging, researchers, physicians, policy experts, and community leaders gathered to discuss science-driven pathways to extend healthy life expectancy.

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Key Scientific Insights Shaping Aging Research

Epigenetic Aging Models and Organ-Specific Risk Patterns

Experts highlighted the molecular dimensions of aging, including epigenetic clocks presented by Steve Horvath. These models show that biological age varies widely between organs, with tissues such as the cerebellum aging more slowly than blood or bone. Familial patterns among centenarians reflect slower epigenetic aging, while obesity accelerates liver-specific aging. Modifiable factors, including omega-3 intake, produce measurable yet modest shifts, underscoring the complex interplay between lifestyle and intrinsic aging biology.

Autophagy Pathways and Cellular Maintenance

Autophagy research, outlined by Tamotsu Yoshimori, emphasized how age-related inhibition of pathways such as Rubicon contributes to cellular decline. Experimental strategies, from lifestyle-based autophagy stimulation to nutraceutical exploration, hold translational potential but require rigorous clinical validation. Emerging insights into exosome-mediated senescence propagation are shaping next-generation therapeutic targets.

Gut Microbiome Signatures and Systemic Aging

Francis Chan highlighted microbiome diversity, metabolite production, and gut barrier integrity as determinants of systemic inflammation, metabolic performance, and cognitive health. Centenarians were shown to possess distinct microbial communities with beneficial minor taxa rather than a “youthful” microbiome. Early-life microbial disruptions and synbiotic-based interventions in long-COVID trials illustrate the microbiome’s influence across the lifespan.

Designing Systems That Support Healthy Longevity

Beyond biology, experts emphasized models of social and environmental support. Concepts such as the “Platinum Society” promote aging as a community asset. Programs integrating physical activity, intergenerational engagement, and meaningful social participation, such as Exadon, demonstrate culturally rooted strategies for sustaining daily function and purpose. Digital tools are now being used to map vulnerabilities in rural regions lacking access to healthcare and caregiving networks.

Core Principles for Advancing Healthy Longevity

The summit’s declaration identified four pillars for practical implementation:

• Strong social connection
• Plant-forward meals high in dietary fiber
• Structured routines and daily activity
• Gratitude and purposeful living (Ikigai)

These insights reflect a multidisciplinary roadmap, linking molecular research, early-life health, clinical translation, community design, and public policy—to help people worldwide experience longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

Source

Kitani, T., Matoba, S., Naito, Y., Horvath, S., Yoshimori, T., Chan, F.K.L., Matsuda, T., Bandini, S., Nakagami, H., Morishita, R., Nakayama, Y., Yaku, H. (2025). Towards global healthy longevity: report from the 1st World Longevity Summit in Kyotango, Japan. npj Aging 11, 89. DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00279-0, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-025-00279-0