The present invention concerns the use of active compounds, including chalcogenides and sirtuin-modulating compounds, either alone or in combination for increasing or enhancing survivability and/or longevity in biological matter. In general aspects, the chalcogenides and other active compounds may modulate one or more sirtuin proteins. It includes compositions, methods, articles of manufacture and apparatuses for enhancing survivability in any of these biological materials, so as to preserve and/or protect them. In specific embodiments, there are also therapeutic methods and apparatuses for aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, organ transplantation, hyperthermia, wound healing, hemorrhagic shock, cardioplegia for bypass surgery, neurodegeneration, hypothermia, and cancer using the active compounds described.