welcome to THE
oxford longevity project
Our mission is simple: to make the science of longevity clear, accessible, and practical. We empower you to take charge of your own health, with the confidence that the science is behind you. Join us for evidence-led insights, a supportive community, and meaningful conversations—helping you live longer better. Learn more about us here.
SATURDAY, 17 APRIL
Smart ageing summit
The Smart Ageing Summit is back on Saturday, 17 April 2027 at St Catherine's College, Oxford. This year's theme is Healthy Longevity for Brain and Mind, with a focus on how we can reduce the risk and impact of dementia.
We're also trying something new. Inspired by the energy and ideas of our new Board member, Professor Ashok Handa, we're co-hosting this year's summit with The Collaborating Centre for Values-based Practice in Health and Social Care.
There's plenty more to share in the coming months, so save the date now and join our waitlist below to get first access to tickets.
SAVE THE DATE
WALK WITH US IN THE SPRING!
The OLP walking group wrapped up for the autumn with a lovely final walk through University Parks (pictured above). A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this year – it has been wonderful to see so many of you and enjoy time together outdoors. While our organised walks take a break, we hope you’ll keep getting together, getting outside and moving. Walks return in the spring – keep an eye out for details of our first walk of the new season!
introducing professor ashok handa
We are delighted to welcome Professor Ashok Handa as the newest member of the OLP Board, following his appointment in September 2026.
Professor Handa is Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Oxford and Honorary Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He is also Clinical Director for Specialist Surgery at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, where he oversees five surgical services and more than 550 staff.
A dedicated educator, he has led undergraduate surgical teaching at Oxford as Director of Teaching in Surgery for 25 years. Over the same period he has taught for the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. He is Co-Director of Graduate Studies for the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and Co-PI of the Oxford University Global Surgery Research Group.
At St Catherine’s College, he is a Fellow by Special Election and Director of Studies for Clinical Medicine, and he served as Tutor for Graduates for over 20 years. He also directs the Collaborating Centre for Values-Based Practice in Health and Social Care, which is based at the college.
We are very pleased to have him join us, and we look forward to his contribution to the Board and to working together in the years ahead.
New Knowledge WITH SIR MUIR GRAY
Sir Muir Gray reviews the latest research and publications on living longer better, explaining what the evidence shows, why it matters, and how to put it into practice
Should you stop statins on your 75th birthday?
Decisions about stopping statins or other medications in older age should be based on individual benefits and risks, not age alone, with regular medication reviews to minimise harm and optimise health.
Safer driving as we age: three things we can all do
As we age, drivers can reduce driving risks and maintain independence through regular sensory checks, refresher training, smart technology, and good physical and mental fitness.
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new knowledge ON DEMENTIA:
The Economist on the Decline in Dementia
The Benefits of Volunteering, Increased Wellbeing, and a Lower Risk of Dementia
THE LATEST
insights
The Biology of Ageing
New research shows that ageing is associated with the same broad changes across species, with inflammation driving many of the processes. But, the molecular patterns associated with ageing can move in both directions. They can accelerate under conditions of stress and disease, but they can also slow down, and in some circumstances partially reverse. Read more here.
Podcast
Episode 5: An outlier in medical communication
Leslie Kenny and Sir Muir Gray join Dr Nick Norwitz, metabolic health physician-scientist. They explore the limits of one-size-fits-all medicine, why research often fails to reach clinic, and how clearer science communication could improve patient care. Watch more episodes here.
latest in longevity study
What would happen to your brain if you put your phone down for two weeks?
Scientists tracked 467 people who blocked mobile internet on their phones for 14 days. Calls and texts were still allowed - just no apps, no social media, no browsing. See more latest studies here.
Introducing Living Longer, Better
The Oxford Longevity Project is pleased to introduce Living Longer, Better, a publication shaped by the combined knowledge, experience, and perspectives of the OLP founders and board members. Launched at the Smart Ageing Summit 2026, the report reflects many of the ideas, conversations, and scientific insights that have emerged over the past five years of bringing together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in healthy ageing and longevity.
At its core, the report is intended to be practical, thoughtful, and accessible. It encourages readers to make informed decisions about their mindset, lifestyle, and environment in support of longer, healthier lives. Combining evidence-based research with clear guidance, Living Longer, Better is our way of sharing what we have learned and continuing the conversation around how we can all age with greater health, purpose, and vitality.
Press from SAS 2026
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