Could Low Dose Radiation Extend Life Expectancy?

When Yiannis Karimalis, was told he had only months to live, he decided to return to his native Island of Ikaria Greece to die. He had thought it would be cheaper to be buried there and wanted to be close to his family in his final days. And than something strange happened, instead of dyeing, he proceeded to live happily and healthfully another 40 years.

The strange case of Yiannis Karimalis, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the 1970's, is just one of a series of interesting and odd cases of life extension that have captured the interest and imagination of scientist. And researchers are currently attempting to discover what possible protective factors could exist on the Island of Ikaria that make it a place with so many healthy citizens of advanced age (Ikaria boast a large and vibrant senior population with very little chronic disease).

One possibly theory behind Karimali's remarkable recovery (in fact, when he returned on a recent visit to the United States, he discovered that he had survived all of his doctors), is Ikaria's hot springs. Like many people in Ikaria, Karimalis frequented the hot springs the Island was known for. Recent scientific research into the baths revealed that the springs emit low dose radon (a radioactive substance) that may be associated with life extension. One theory, by life-extension researchers, is that low dose radiation can be protective of DNA, thus reducing a person's risk of certain degenerative diseases, like cancer.

Other possible protective factors on the Island include: a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables and fish, physical and sexual activity into old age, a culture that boast a greater respect for the elderly, and a culture that is seen as extremely close, affectionate, open, and demonstrative--where people are often perceived of as highly emotional and even volatile by outsiders. Tempers often flare up and are quickly cooled, but rarely progress to physical violence (a trait thought to be add additional cardiovascular-protective benefits).