Do we all fret too much about growing old and potentially suffering ill health? The purpose of this podcast is to highlight lifestyle interventions that could help us live longer, healthier lives. It focusses on extending health span - the number of years that we enjoy optimum health. But could it be that such aspirations are over-rated and rather pander to paranoid personalities. Dr. Magomed Khaidakov is a research assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the author of A Pessimistic Guide to Anti-aging Research: Death is Immortal. The book offers a critical guide to current longevity research and anti-aging interventions. In this LLAMA podcast interview with Peter Bowes, Dr Khaidakov explains his skepticism towards aging research and why he believes longevity science is dogged by “hype" and "self-promotion."Check out our website at LLAMApodcast.com In this interview we cover: Dr. Khaidakov’s conditions for growing old.Holding a pessimistic or realistic view of aging?The “hype" and "self-promotion” surrounding aging research.Are study results distorted through the use of obese lab animals?The "sweet spot" for good health based on Body Mass Index (BMI)Is an extra 10 years, which is "within design limits" of the human body, worth it?Life span in years for humans, rats, mice, flies and worms (yes we know C. elegans only live days) versus health span.Why every day aging and general health issues are problems that are "almost solved."The longevity business “driven by greed."Exploring the design flaws of the human body.    Health aging without effort “exploited” by those who devise health regimens.     Lacking self-discipline and smoking. “Slightly paranoid personalities” who spend too much time pondering over their longevity. The practical and philosophical issues raised by death. Being content with a pleasurable life. No complaints. Why biology will play second fiddle to big data science in the future. "It’s your personal decision whether you have a healthy lifFlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners an $80.00 discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging.  Use code LLAMA at checkout- DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.