Institute for Aging Research

Nir Barzilai, M.D.

Nir Barzilai, M.D.
Director of the Institute for Aging

Research Director of the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging

Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research

Dr. Barzilai's bio / cv

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The Longevity Genes Project

Dr. Barzilai's Bio

Dr. Nir Barzilai is the director of the Institute for Aging Research, the director of the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging and the Ingeborg and Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research. Dr. Barzilai, an endocrinologist, discovered the first "longevity gene" in humans. His research established that the gene variant that leads to high HDL, or "good cholesterol," is linked to healthy aging and extreme longevity. Dr. Barzilai is a former chief instructor of medics for the Israeli army and his work has been profiled by major outlets, including the New York Times, the BBC and PBS' NOVA scienceNow.

Dr. Barzilai's CV

 

2nd Annual Longevity Studies Symposium

 

The Longevity Genes Project Video Series

This video series includes informative interviews with Dr. Nir Barzilai, who leads the Einstein longevity research efforts, and with four study participants whose diverse and compelling stories will inspire you. We invite you to view all of the videos and leave comments. Click on the links below to view each segment.

Research: Dr. Nir Barzilai

Personal Profiles: Lilly Port: Age 96 | Harold Laufman: Age 98 | Irma Daniel: Age 103 | Irving Kahn: Age 104

 
 

About the Project

Longevity and Longenity
Information and preliminary results of Einstein's search for longevity genes in the Jewish Ashkenazi population and genotypes and phenotypes for exceptional longevity.

Why Ashkenazi Jews?
Information about the "founder effect" and the historically unique Ashkenazi Jewish population.

Publications
Results from the LonGenity and Longevity studies.

Qualifications for Participation
Guidelines and FAQs regarding participation in the LonGenity study.

Contact Information
Find out more about Longenity research at Einstein.

Meet the Super Agers

Lilly Port, at age 96

Lilly PortLilly Port's suitcase doesn't spend much time in her closet. In the first half of this year, Lilly traveled to Israel, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. Her love of adventure began early in life. In 1941, she left Vienna with a doctorate in economics to come to the United States, where she became a radio talk-show host and author of one of the first books written to empower people with disabilities. Lilly owns an apartment in a retirement community—but says she's too young to live there. She still lives independently in her own house, enjoying regular walks and exercise classes at the community center.

Lilly just turned 100!
Watch her Reflect on Reaching this Milestone

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Harold Laufman, at age 98

Harold LaufmanHarold Laufman lives every moment by the motto "never waste time." His inexhaustible curiosity fueled his drive to become a combat surgeon, violinist, commercial artist, entrepreneur and author. Harold, who put himself through medical school by selling his illustrations, became a leader in experimental surgery techniques. He served as professor of surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and director of the Institute for Surgical Studies at Montefiore Medical Center. Harold has been working on his latest book, To Thrive Past 95, which details his personal experience with aging.

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Irma Daniel, age 103

Irma DanielFleeing Hitler's regime, Irma Daniel, her husband and five-year-old son left Germany in 1938. They arrived in Hoboken, NJ, with no belongings and no jobs. Despite their hardships, Irma saw this tumultuous time as a "fantastic beginning." Taking up residence in a tiny attic apartment, Irma seized every opportunity that came her way. She took a variety of jobs—from scrubbing floors to selling clothes to taking care of the elderly. She believes that working and "never sitting still" are the best ways to stay young. Today, Irma lives in her own home, exercises regularly and leads an active social life.

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Irving Kahn, age 104

Irving KahnInvestment advisor Irving Kahn began his career before the stock market crash of 1929 and is widely respected in the field of value investing. In 1978, he founded Kahn Brothers Group, Inc. Today, the company manages over $700 million in assets. Irving, who is chair of the firm, goes into his Madison Avenue office five days a week, where he works with his son and grandson. Irving reads at least two financial newspapers daily, keeps in touch with friends and clients all over the world via the Internet and says it would be foolish to retire.

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Nir Barzilai, M.D., Principal Investigator

The Longevity Genes Project at Einstein is a study of more than 500 healthy centenarians, near-centenarians and their children. In this video, principal investigator Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research and director of the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, discusses the findings to date. Dr. Barzilai also explains his personal and professional quest for ways to significantly delay age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and to help people live longer, healthier lives.

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