Scientists at the Institute for Ageing Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have identified three genes, which have a major impact on aging and are currently working on a new pill that will mimic these genes to extend the lifespan of a person.

Dr Nir Barzilai, who is the lead scientist in the project, expressed optimism that the pill could be ready for testing within the next three years. Dr Barzilai went on to add that the pill could also put an end to typical old age problems such as Alzheimer's, diabetes and heart disease.

“The advantage of finding a gene that involves longevity is we can develop a drug that will imitate what this gene is doing. If we can imitate that, then long life can be terrific”, Dr Barzilai told The Daily Express.

These findings are set to be showcased on BBC2’s Horizon documentary: Don’t Grow Old today.

Man has tried to find the elixir of life and reverse the aging process since times immemorial. Last year, research indicated that an antibiotic might hold the key to longevity. If this new pill is a reality, then centurions may not be a rarity on out society.