Nobel laureate shares tips for longevity

Diet, exercise, attitude and purpose are crucial for human longevity, 2007 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine Mario R. Capecchi explained in an exclusive interview with CGTN.

Genes are involved in everything, including longevity, the professor said, also voicing optimism on the trend of increased life expectancy. "I wouldn't be surprised, if in 20 years, we'd be able to live another 20 extra years, because it (life expectancy) keeps increasing."

Stressing the importance of physical activity and positive attitude, Professor Capecchi explained that the brain depends on oxygen delivered by the body, not from the air itself, so you have to supply it to the brain.

Capecchi, who enjoys jogging, recently underwent a fitness assessment and cycling test at the Exercise Translational Medicine Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Despite being in his 80s, the results show a fitness level comparable to that of healthy adults in their 50s or 60s.

On the topic of purpose and personal fulfillment, Capecchi said it is essential to maintain your interests and feel you are accomplishing something. If what you do doesn't fulfill you, you can change it – year by year or decade by decade. "I've been changing it and I think it's healthy," he said.

Born in 1937 in Italy, Professor Mario R. Capecchi is a preeminent authority in molecular genetics, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a distinguished professor at the University of Utah. He is particularly celebrated for pioneering gene targeting in mammalian cells and creating "knockout mice" – achievements that helped lay the foundation for systematic studies of gene function and had a profound impact on research into genetic disorders, cancer and developmental disorders.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Directors: Lu Wei, Wang Yuxin

Editor: Ruan Lingbo

Videographers: Ban Jinting, Zhang Haosheng, Ma Guoqing

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