Around the world, the race to beat ageing is on. From cutting edge aesthetics to longevity clinics, scientists, entrepreneurs and tech billionaires are investing fortunes in the hope of extending human life — and perhaps even slowing aging itself.
For women in the public eye like Kathryn Thomas, the pressure to stay youthful is relentless. After more than two decades on Irish television, she is no stranger to scrutiny. But in the age of social media, that pressure has intensified – expanding beyond celebrities to make everyone public fodder. The line between public and private has blurred, creating a culture where appearance is constantly judged and aging feels less like a natural process and more like something to hide or resist.
But for Kathryn, ageing isn’t just about appearance. Now 47, she had both her daughters in her 40s through IVF with her husband who’s now 57. As “older parents” they are acutely aware of the importance of staying healthy, energetic and present for their children.
So for Kathryn, the goal isn’t simply to look younger. It’s about staying vital, thinking sharp, moving well and remaining fully in the game all the way to the final whistle.
Across this two-part series, Kathryn explores the many paths people are taking in the pursuit of extended youth and longer life— from everyday lifestyle changes to the frontiers of longevity science. Along the way she meets individuals with surprising strategies for slowing the aging process and speaks to leading scientists working to better understand how and why we age.
Because if there really is a way to avoid the worst effects of ageing, not just on the surface, but deep within, Kathryn wants to know the secret.
Can we really stay young forever? Could we already be witnessing the death of ageing?
Young Forever: The Death of Ageing? airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm on 20 April