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Why turtles live 150 years - the secret is in a slow heart

Once upon a time there was a turtle named Jonathan. He was born around 1832 — before cars, airplanes, or even light bulbs. And he's still alive! He walks around the island of Saint Helena and eats fresh grass. He's over 190 years old.

How is this possible? The secret is in slowness. Your heart beats about 90 times per minute. The heart of a Galapagos tortoise beats only 6 times. Six times slower! And it's not because it's sick. Nature has simply given it a long, calm heart.

Scientists have studied the DNA of giant tortoises and found special genes. One protects cells from cancer. Another repairs damaged DNA, like a craftsman repairing a broken watch. Humans also have these genes, but they don't work as diligently.

And the turtle is not in a hurry. It doesn't run after the bus. It doesn't get nervous before the test. It doesn't stay up at night playing games. It eats leaves, sleeps a lot, walks slowly. And it lives for a century and a half.

Advayata, an elephant herder from Seychelles, lived to be 255 years old! Imagine: when he hatched from an egg, the United States of America did not yet exist.

Maybe turtles know something we don't? That sometimes you need to stop. Breathe. Look at the clouds. Take your time - and then life will be longer. Because it's not speed that counts, but how much you managed to see.