Longevity science is a rapidly growing field that aims to increase the human lifespan and improve health in old age. In recent years, there has been significant progress in this field, and various advancements have been made that hold promise for increasing lifespan and improving health span (the number of years a person lives in good health). Some of the most notable advancements in longevity sciences include:
- Caloric Restriction: Caloric restriction has been shown to increase lifespan and improve health span in a variety of species, including rodents and non-human primates. While the mechanisms by which caloric restriction works are not yet fully understood, it is thought to involve changes in metabolic pathways and hormonal signaling.
- Senolytic Drugs: Senolytic drugs are compounds that selectively target and eliminate senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and are thought to contribute to aging and age-related diseases. By removing these cells, senolytic drugs have been shown to improve health span and delay the onset of age-related diseases in animal models.
- Genetic Modification: Advances in genetic engineering and CRISPR technology have made it possible to modify the genes associated with aging and age-related diseases. For example, scientists have been able to extend lifespan in mice by targeting genes involved in insulin signaling and
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising approach for treating age-related diseases and promoting tissue repair. For example, stem cells can be used to regenerate damaged tissues and improve organ function, potentially leading to a longer and healthier lifespan.
- mTOR inhibitors: The mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway is a key regulator of aging, and drugs that inhibit mTOR have been shown to increase lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases in animal models.
- NAD+ boosting compounds: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a molecule involved in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and other processes, and levels of NAD+ decline with age. Compounds that boost NAD+ levels have been shown to improve health span and delay the onset of age-related diseases in animal models.
These are just a few examples of the many exciting advancements in longevity sciences. While much work remains to be done, these developments hold great promise for increasing lifespan and improving health span, and offer a glimpse into a future in which aging can be delayed or even reversed.
If you would like to know more about longevity and the things you can do to tip the scales in your favor, please book a free consultation.
Sam
