Longevity, Lifestyle, and the New Age of Aging: Inside Masterclass at Tufts University

The Center for Professional & Workforce Impact at Tufts University College hosted its inaugural Tufts Masterclass Series during the week of May 18.

Designed in an Oxford-style format for adult learners energized by intellectual challenge and discovery, these immersive sessions bring together Tufts faculty, industry practitioners, and a small group of fellows to explore complex topics through discussion, inquiry, and interdisciplinary exchange.

Longevity, Lifestyle, and the New Age of Aging: Redefining What it Means to Live Well

The inaugural Masterclass cohort examined how the intersections of science, technology, public policy, and human behavior shape longevity and healthy aging.

Participating fellows represented a wide range of industries — including higher education, health care, finance, pharmaceuticals, and consulting — and states, from across New England to the southern U.S.. The multi-generational cohort included professionals at various career levels, from emerging leaders to founders and chief executives, and welcomed three Tufts alumni back to campus. The cohort’s diverse backgrounds enriched conversations about how individuals and societies can support longer, healthier lives.

A Week of Exploration and Discovery

Throughout the week, participants connected with faculty and industry practitioners from across the Tufts community, including the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the Tufts University School of Medicine, the Tufts University School of Engineering, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

Panels, presentations, lab visits, and discussion groups gave attendees the space to explore healthy aging from multiple perspectives while gaining exposure to research and practice at the intersection of nutrition, medicine, engineering, and public health. These sessions highlighted emerging developments in the field, encouraging participants to consider how advances in longevity research may shape individual, organizational, and societal well-being.

Beyond the expertise shared by faculty and practitioners, the small cohort size allowed participants to engage deeply with one another throughout the week. Conversations among attendees built upon themes introduced during the formal programming, creating opportunities to reflect on new ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore real-world applications of the research. These peer-to-peer exchanges reinforced lessons from the classroom while helping participants connect the science of longevity to their own professional and personal experiences.

While Tufts Masterclass’s agenda explored complex issues that shape decision-making across industries, it also underscored that the question of longevity is deeply personal. By connecting scientific discovery with practical application, the Spring session empowered attendees to think more intentionally about the factors that influence long-term health and well-being.

For Ashutosh Anand, Tufts Masterclass Fellow, Spring 2026, one of the week's greatest strengths was its ability to translate research into meaningful personal insight. The result was a deeper understanding of longevity not only within the context of his work, but also as a framework for thinking about health, well-being, and everyday choices.

“I walked away not just with a deeper understanding of the science,” said Anand, “but with a personal sense of confidence and empowerment to take charge of my own health and lifespan.”

Anand's experience reflects one of the core goals of the Tufts Masterclass series: creating opportunities for participants to engage deeply with complex topics while drawing meaningful connections to their own professional and personal lives. Through interdisciplinary learning, direct access to faculty experts, and sustained dialogue among peers, each Masterclass experience aims to foster an environment where new ideas can be explored from multiple perspectives.

Following the success of the inaugural Masterclass cohort, Tufts University College will launch its next offering this fall: Artificial Intelligence and Society. Bringing together faculty experts, industry practitioners, and engaged learners, the program will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, education, policy, and everyday life. As with all Tufts Masterclass offerings, enrollment is limited to create an immersive and highly interactive learning experience.

Prospective participants are encouraged to apply early or contact the program team for additional information as space is expected to fill quickly. Learn more about Tufts Masterclass.