But the article also mentions the naked mole rat, which is about the size of a mouse but lives ten times longer, and Brandt's bat, which weighs as much as a sugar cube but lives 40 years.
Not sure about the mole rat, but bats cheat by shutting down their metabolism (basically hibernating) most of the time.
Why do people try to boost their metabolism (or demise) these days then? I strongly believe that being physically lazy (i.e. not expending much energy and keeping metabolism slow), but mentally active, and walking 30-45 minutes a day is the healthiest lifestyle one could have (if they can afford it).
Because heart disease is the main killer, and obesity and poor vascular fitness resulting from inactivity are major risk factors. Plus people want a tight ass.
I don't exercise and I'm fine although genetically I have 30% higher risk of obesity, so, just don't eat more than you have to and find pleasures in creation and discovery, in socializing, not in eating!