Greece's bold new institute aims to add decades to human lifespan

A new research centre in Greece is taking bold steps to tackle aging and promote healthier lives. The Hellenic Institute of Healthy Longevity will host its first major event this week, bringing together experts to discuss how lifestyle and science can extend lifespan by decades. The institute, led by professor George Chrousos, aims to turn Greece into a leading hub for longevity research. A specialist in paediatrics and endocrinology, Chrousos has described processed foods as 'poisonous' and warns that chronic stress, poor diets, inactivity, and excessive artificial light accelerate aging.

On Tuesday, the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens will host the institute's inaugural Healthy Longevity Forum. Researchers there are exploring ways to slow—or even reverse—aging by targeting senescent cells and testing senolytic drugs. Evridiki Chatziandreou, a physician on the institute's board, claims that simple lifestyle changes could add up to 25 years to a person's life. The organisation's broader mission is to combine scientific research with public education, helping people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

The forum marks the start of the institute's push to reshape aging research in Greece. With a focus on diet, stress reduction, and cutting-edge treatments, its work could influence how people approach health and longevity. The event also signals growing interest in making Greece a key player in global aging studies.