Read previewAt 93, John Starbrook competes in water polo games, hits the gym up to twice a day, and only stopped running marathons five years ago. As average life spans rise and an aging population becomes a global reality, interest in staying healthy for longer is growing. But a healthy lifestyle appeared to offset the effects of genes linked to a shorter lifespan by 62%. But he really amped things up at age 53 when he got into running marathons. Research suggests social bonds are an important part of a long, healthy life.

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Persons: —, John Starbrook, Starbrook, Judy Organizations: Service, UK, Guardian, Business, McKinsey, US News, University of Bergen, US Health Department, Department, London, Research Locations: Norway, London