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Collagen is not only important for youthful skin, but also for a long and healthy life
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Collagen, a well-known anti-wrinkle agent, may help increase life expectancy, according to experts. In several studies, experts have discovered a gene that is associated with youth and flexibility, and, as they suggest, with longevity.
The study was conducted on roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans), in which scientists tried to extend the lifespan as much as possible, using a variety of approaches (including dietary restrictions and the use of rapamycin).
As the worms' lifespan increased, the researchers found high activity in genes responsible for the production of collagen and other elements that support organs, soft tissue, and bone tissue.
At Harvard Medical School, where the study was conducted, Professor Kate Bdekewell noted that during attempts to extend the life of the worms, the activity of collagen genes increased significantly. If gene expression is disrupted, lifespan could presumably be significantly shortened, since the main structures in connective tissue account for about one-third of all proteins.
With age, degradation of the main substance of the cell begins, which is why collagen is associated with many diseases (kidney disease, heart disease and blood vessels, diabetes).
The secrets of longevity are of interest to specialists in various fields; for example, psychologists are sure that people who have a goal in life or an occupation live much longer than those who, after retiring, have not found an occupation to their liking.
At the same time, experts are sure that after retirement, a person does not necessarily have to look for a new job; it is quite enough to engage in volunteer activities or take part in a long-term project. The goal does not play such an important role, experts from Carleton University note, the main thing is that the hobby pleases and brings pleasure.
According to psychologists' theory, people who have a goal in life in middle age are more likely to lead a healthy lifestyle, which they believe will help them achieve their goals.
Experts also say that the sooner a person sets a goal, the sooner he comes to the decision to start a healthy lifestyle.
The experts came to this conclusion after observing six thousand volunteers. At the beginning of the study, a survey was conducted among the participants, which allowed them to find out whether they had a goal in life, what attitudes they had in relationships, and emotions.
Fourteen years after the survey, 9% of the participants had died. The scientists found that those who died were mostly those who had no purpose in life, who complained of negativity in relationships, anger, fatigue, and depression.
After analyzing the data, experts came to the conclusion that after retiring, such people's general well-being significantly worsened, since they lost the occupation that organized their entire lives.
But experts say that finding a goal and a favorite activity is important not only for retirees, but also for young people.
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