Older, Faster, Stronger is a National Geographic exploration into the science of what it takes to live a longer and more active life.
In evolutionary terms, humans are pretty new at getting old. Since 1900, we’ve managed to increase our life expectancy, from 47 to 78, even though we’re only just now beginning to understand the science of longevity—and what exactly human beings are capable of as we live deeper, and healthier, into our 70s, 80s, 90s, even 100s.
To help you harness all that we’re learning about how to age athletically, National Geographic found a handful of people hitting their stride in the last leg of their lives. We also share some pointers about how to start extending your health span right now, no matter how old you are, and some wisdom—pep talks, really—from four of the greatest athletic specimens of the 20th century.
‘I want to live to be 100.’ Longevity lessons from sports icons
By Devin Gordon
Carl Lewis, Nadia Comăneci, Cheryl Miller and Jerry Rice were the best at what they did—so who better to ask about getting the most out of our bodies as we age. We came in search of wisdom but they gave us something even better: motivation.
Photograph by Paola Kudacki
How to start aging like an athlete
By Chris Ballard
An increasing body of research is telling us that staying active as we age provides extraordinary health benefits. These over-50 champs offer proof of what we gain by being athletes later in our lives.
Photograph by Alex Lau
Your game plan for fighting Father Time
By Chris Cohen
Five research-backed, peer-reviewed ways to start extending your life span now—no matter how old you are.
Photograph by Kendrick Brinson
Three years ago, Chris Hemsworth embarked on Limitless, a National Geographic series that invited audiences to follow along on the actor’s globe-spanning quest to unlock some of the secrets for living a longer and more fulfilling life. Now he’s returned with another season that dives deeper into what science can teach us about how to improve our physical health and mental well-being today. His journey prompted us to take a closer look at what scientists are learning about aging athletes—and how we might apply a wealth of new insights to our own lives.
