Greece's New Institute Aims to Unlock the Secrets of Healthy Aging

Greece is set to become a hub for research into healthy aging with the launch of the Hellenic Institute of Healthy Longevity. The new organization aims to promote longer, healthier lives through science and public education. Its first major event, the Healthy Longevity Forum, will take place this week in Athens.

The institute was founded by George Chrousos, a professor of pediatrics and endocrinology, who now serves as its president. He has warned that modern lifestyles—including chronic stress, unhealthy food, processed foods, and lack of exercise—are major barriers to healthy aging. Chrousos even described processed foods as 'poisonous' to long-term health.

Researchers at the institute argue that aging is not fixed but can be studied, slowed, or even reversed. Evridiki Chatziandreou, a physician and board member, claims that simple lifestyle changes could add up to 25 years to a person's life. Currently, no other Greek scientific institutions focus specifically on life extension or anti-aging research.

The institute's first public event, the Healthy Longevity Forum, will be held on Tuesday at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens. The gathering will bring together experts to discuss strategies for improving lifespan and healthspan. Beyond research, the organization plans to educate the public on how to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

The Hellenic Institute of Healthy Longevity marks a new direction for aging research in Greece. With no existing dedicated centers in the country, its work could fill a gap in public health and scientific study. The forum on Tuesday will be the first step in sharing its findings with a wider audience.