Compositions and methods for extending life expectancy are described herein. Specifically, ambroxol, ambroxol hydrochloride, and/or bromhexine can be used in a method for (a) treating, inhibiting, or reducing aging of a subject, (b) treating, inhibiting, or reducing an age-related symptom or an age-related disease in a subject, and/or (c) increasing the healthspan, lifespan, and/or mental acuity of a subject.