According to Ayurveda, the optimal human lifespan is 120 years. While this may seem inflated, centenarians (folks who live longer than 100 years) are the fastest growing segment of the world’s population, predicted to grow by 800% by 2050.
Ayurveda has always understood that we become wise with age, evolving mentally, emotionally, and spiritually with each passing year. The Vaidyas (Ayurvedic physicians) spoke of immortality, but not physical immortality. They understood that our thoughts, spirit, and soul are eternal and that we can become realized passengers on this great journey of the soul. To accomplish this, a long life, properly lived, was required.
To master longevity, a branch of Ayurveda dedicated to the study of longevity called rasayana was created. The goal was not just to live for a long time, but to be vital, physically strong, and to rise above turbulence to become effortlessly loving, joyful, and kind.