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HOW TO LIVE BOTH LONGER AND HEALTHIER

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we explore what science is doing to help us live longer (and healthier) lives, look at how L.A.’s wild parrots might extend species ... and hit the chocolate capital of Europe.

A man takes an ice bath in a tub

PHOTOGRAPH BY JASPER DOEST

How long should we live? Scientists are trying to stretch out life expectancy, which more than doubled between 1900 and 2020. But the cost of that remarkable gain is a staggering rise in chronic and degenerative diseases. They share a common risk factor: aging.

What is science doing to extend our lifespan—without simply extending years of debility and dependence? (Above, a therapeutic ice bath.) Here’s what’s happening.

A newborn baby has vital signs checked in a hospital

PHOTOGRAPH BY MELANIE WENGER

Babies born in prosperous countries today are likely to live into their 90s. (Above, Tommaso Citti has his vital signs checked seconds after birth in Italy). As the world grows significantly older, research into slowing or reversing aging becomes more and more important. Read more.

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STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Parrots stand on a power line

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHON KIT LEONG/ALAMY

These wild parrots (above) traded the tropical jungle for the concrete jungle. Now they may be a lifeline for vulnerable species.

Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer .

What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?

This psychoactive plant could save lives—and everyone wants to cash in

The power of chicken soup and other remedies to feed your body when it’s sick

What archaeology can tell us about the real Jesus

You can learn to control your dreams. Here’s how.

These foods will help fight inflammation

You won’t find these Hawaiian hiking trails in a guidebook

Ths pricey coffee may not taste like poop, but ...

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

At A. Giordano, on Piazza Carlo Felice, chocolates are delicately wrapped, ready to be taken home.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON BAJADA

Chocolate central: At this shop (above), sweet treats are delicately wrapped, ready to be taken home from the chocolate capital of Europe. Where are we?

A. Brussels
B. Vienna
C. Zurich
D. Turin

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Several photos of horses with their trainers

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KENNEDI CARTER

In honor of National Day of the Horse we thought we'd treat you to a collection of images by photographer Kennedi Carter on a new generation of Black American ‘cowboys.’ (Pictured above with horses are trainer Silas Plummer, college student and rider Vinsha Torain, trainer Jamel Robinson, and youth champion MaLana Lewis atop her horse, Star.)

BLACK EQUESTRIANS

LAST GLIMPSE

A family toasts before a holiday dinner.

PHOTOGRAPH BY FG TRADE, GETTY IMAGES

Don't risk your holiday plans: Between the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, there are lots of ways that your gatherings with friends and family could go sideways. Good thing there are vaccines for each of these viruses. What else can we use to prevent sickness? The answer might simply lie in going back to the basics.

PREVENTING SICKNESS

Today’s soundtrack: I Ain’t Livin' Long Like This , Waylon Jennings

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! It was curated and edited by Jen Tse, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard. Have an idea for us? Let us know! See you tomorrow!

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