Unlocking Longevity: The Longer Life Foundation's Quest for Healthier, Longer Lives

Imagine a world where aging gracefully isn't just a lucky draw, but a scientifically supported reality. This is the vision driving the Longer Life Foundation (LLF), a unique not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding and supporting groundbreaking research aimed at understanding and influencing the factors that impact longevity, health, and wellness. Since its inception in 2025, this collaboration between RGA and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has granted over $9.4 million (US) to more than 163 research projects, each contributing to the ever-growing body of knowledge surrounding the science of living longer and healthier. From investigating methods to improve disease prognosis to exploring the potential of innovative therapies, the LLF is at the forefront of the quest to not only extend lifespan but also enhance the quality of life for individuals across the globe. This article delves into the mission, impact, and future of the Longer Life Foundation, exploring how its work is shaping a world where living longer also means living better.

Washington University in St. Louis researchers: Unlock the potential of your research with our comprehensive guide to navigating the Longer Life Foundation s funding expectations.

The Longer Life Foundation's Mission: Funding the Future of Longevity

At its core, the Longer Life Foundation is driven by a powerful mission: to fund and support the study of factors that either predict mortality and morbidity or influence improvements in longevity, health, and wellness. This mission is executed by strategically awarding grants to researchers undertaking innovative investigations into areas critical to extending healthy lifespans. The foundation focuses on research that addresses diseases known to shorten life expectancy or pose a significant risk to overall health. This targeted approach ensures that its resources are channeled towards projects with the greatest potential to make a tangible impact on human longevity and well-being.

We also co-founded a unique academic-insurer non-profit collaboration the Longer Life Foundation 25 years ago to support fully independent research into longevity and wellness. Supporting Others

How the Longer Life Foundation Selects Research Projects

The Longer Life Foundation employs a rigorous selection process to identify and fund the most promising research proposals. Each year, six to eight researchers receive one-year grants of up to $50,000. They can apply for a second year of funding based on their initial findings. Investigators interested in applying for funding must submit a Letter of Intent that includes:

This unique foundation supports innovative independent research by scientific, medical and public health experts to make discoveries that will improve long-term mortality, enhance longevity, and promote healthier lives.

• A one- to two-page description of the research
• Project title
• Aims
• Method of approach
• Relevance to the mission of The Longer Life Foundation
• Scope of Work

This comprehensive application process ensures that only the most relevant and impactful research receives funding from the foundation. Grantees must also inform the Foundation when their research is published in peer-reviewed publications and acknowledge support from the Longer Life Foundation in all published papers. This ensures transparency and allows the foundation to track the impact of its funding.

A Collaborative Approach to Extending Lifespan

The Longer Life Foundation stands out due to its collaborative nature. It was established through a partnership between RGA, a leading global life and health reinsurer, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a world-renowned research institution. This unique alliance brings together the financial resources and industry expertise of RGA with the cutting-edge research capabilities of Washington University.

The Power of Collaboration

This collaboration allows the Longer Life Foundation to:

1. Identify promising research opportunities: Researchers at Washington University are constantly pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, identifying new avenues for improving human health and longevity.
2. Provide funding for early-stage research: The Longer Life Foundation provides crucial funding for early-stage research, allowing scientists to explore novel ideas and gather preliminary data that can lead to larger grants and more impactful discoveries.
3. Translate research findings into practical applications: By working with RGA, the Longer Life Foundation can help translate research findings into practical applications that can benefit individuals and society as a whole.

Spotlight on Impact: Research Projects and Discoveries

The Longer Life Foundation's commitment to funding innovative research has yielded significant results. Investigations funded by the foundation have resulted in 171 articles to date in peer-reviewed medical journals, showcasing the impact of its investments in longevity research. Let's take a look at some examples of the research the LLF supports.

Convalescent Plasma Research

Jeffrey P. Henderson, M.D, Ph.D, a Longer Life Foundation alumni grant recipient and a researcher with Washington University School of Medicine, is at the forefront of research into convalescent plasma (CP) from those who have recovered from COVID-19 to help those with active disease. His work has contributed to the understanding of how CP can be used to treat and prevent COVID-19 infection.

NAD Biosynthesis and Healthy Aging

Shin-ichiro Imai M.D, Ph.D., received funding for a project aiming to understand the importance of systemic NAD biosynthesis in predicting and extending healthspan. The research explores the potential of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as a biomarker of aging and a therapeutic agent to improve longevity and quality of life.

Early Detection of Blood Cancers

Dr. Grant Challen, Associate Professor Department of Medicine, Oncology Division and Stem Cell Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and a recent recipient of LLF funding, leads a lab studying ways to identify genes that can be targeted to diagnose blood cancers early or even recognize the risk before they develop. This research has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers.

The Longer Life Foundation's Role in Shaping Policy

Beyond funding research, the Longer Life Foundation recognizes the importance of translating scientific discoveries into practical policies that can improve public health. By collaborating with policymakers, the foundation aims to ensure that research findings are used to inform decisions that promote healthier, longer lives for everyone. With organizations like the Longer Life Foundation, collaboration can help develop solutions to help society adapt to the challenges of people living longer. Working with the foundation to get its research learnings to policymakers helps drive change.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Policy

The Longer Life Foundation actively works to bridge the gap between research and policy by:

• Disseminating research findings: The foundation publishes its research findings on its website and in peer-reviewed journals, making the information accessible to policymakers and the public.
• Engaging with policymakers: The foundation actively engages with policymakers to educate them about the latest research on aging and longevity.
• Providing evidence-based recommendations: The foundation provides policymakers with evidence-based recommendations for policies that can promote healthier, longer lives.

Privacy and Transparency: Protecting Your Information

The Longer Life Foundation is committed to protecting the information that you share with them and explaining how they collect, process, and share that information online. They prioritize your privacy and want you to understand what information they collect and how they use it. You can review their privacy policy on their website, www.longerlife.org, to ensure your data is protected when interacting with the foundation.

Looking Forward: The Future of the Longer Life Foundation

As the Longer Life Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its commitment to funding innovative research into longevity and wellness. The foundation has already made significant contributions to the field, and it is poised to play an even greater role in the future. With its unique collaborative model and its focus on funding early-stage research, the Longer Life Foundation is well-positioned to drive the next generation of discoveries that will help people live longer, healthier lives.

The Next 25 Years

In the coming years, the Longer Life Foundation plans to:

• Expand its funding programs: The foundation aims to increase the amount of funding it provides to researchers, allowing it to support even more groundbreaking projects.
• Focus on translational research: The foundation will increasingly focus on funding research that has the potential to be translated into practical applications that can benefit individuals and society as a whole.
• Strengthen its collaborations: The foundation will continue to strengthen its collaborations with RGA, Washington University School of Medicine, and other organizations to maximize its impact.

Getting Involved with the Longer Life Foundation

If you are interested in supporting the Longer Life Foundation's mission, there are several ways to get involved:

• Donate to the foundation: Your donation will help fund groundbreaking research that can improve human health and longevity.
• Apply for funding: If you are a researcher working on a project related to aging and longevity, you can apply for funding from the Longer Life Foundation.
• Stay informed: Follow the Longer Life Foundation's website and social media channels to stay up-to-date on the latest research and news.

By supporting the Longer Life Foundation, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and contribute to a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Longer Life Foundation

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Longer Life Foundation:

What is the Longer Life Foundation?

The Longer Life Foundation (LLF) is a not-for-profit organization that supports the study of scientific and public health factors predicting longevity and wellness. It is a collaboration between RGA and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

What is the mission of the Longer Life Foundation?

The Longer Life Foundation's mission is to fund and support the study of factors that either predict the mortality and morbidity of select populations or influence improvements in longevity, health, and wellness.

How does the Longer Life Foundation fund research?

The Longer Life Foundation awards grants to researchers undertaking innovative investigations into areas critical to extending healthy lifespans. Investigators interested in applying for funding must submit a Letter of Intent.

Who is eligible to apply for funding from the Longer Life Foundation?

Scientific, medical, and public health experts who are conducting innovative research that aligns with the Longer Life Foundation's mission are eligible to apply for funding.

How can I support the Longer Life Foundation?

You can support the Longer Life Foundation by donating to the foundation, applying for funding if you are a researcher, and staying informed about the latest research and news.

Conclusion: Investing in a Future of Enhanced Longevity

The Longer Life Foundation is more than just a funding organization; it's a catalyst for innovation, a champion for scientific discovery, and a partner in building a future where longer lives are also healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through its strategic funding of cutting-edge research, its collaborative approach with leading institutions, and its commitment to translating research into policy, the LLF is making a tangible impact on the field of longevity. By supporting the Longer Life Foundation, we are investing in a future where the promise of a longer lifespan is realized through scientific advancements and a dedication to improving the quality of life for all. If you're passionate about extending healthy lifespans, consider supporting the Longer Life Foundation and becoming a part of this important mission. Visit www.longerlife.org to learn more and contribute to a future where we all have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.