Methods are provided for promoting longevity and decreasing the incidence of ageing associated pathologies (e.g. cancer) by the administration of one or more of the following LFFA: linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid. Secondary LFFA derived from this set, as well as their CoA derivatives and synthetic analogs, are effective also in promoting longevity and delaying the onset of age associated disorders. In addition, interventions including LFFA and CoA LFFA formulations are described which protect the organism from acute physical stress, tissue damage, and hypoxia, either due to trauma or secondary to surgical procedures.