Any belief tied heavily into hope or as a way of alleviating existential dread seems intrinsically more sketchy than other forms of knowledge. That and the fact that people can make money selling supplements, books, or any other number of products on the basis of playing into said feelings.

That said it seems wrong to write off all the sciences or seemingly intelligent people involved in the field just because some people could also be charlatans about it.

Does anyone have insight on how to sift the pseudo-science from the real information? Are there legitimate ways of extending one's life span or is it just wishful thinking?