As we age, many changes happen to our body, we become fragile, our hair turns white and our skin wrinkles. We also become more susceptible to disease and may lose our cognitive abilities.
Is aging generally considered an inevitable part of life, but can it be delayed by prolonging our youth? We asked 8 experts the question: “Can aging be delayed?” Interestingly, there was a “probable” consensus of 75%. Here’s what I found out.
What is aging?
All living things are made up of cells. Scientists often grow cells in the laboratory to study them. In 1961, researcher Leonard Hayflick observed that, on average, a human cell can divide only 50 times before entering a hibernation-like state called “senescence.” It is believed that an accumulation of senescent cells in body tissues could damage other cells and play a crucial role in aging.
There are many causes of aging and senescence at the cellular level. These include oxidative damage, accumulations of small DNA errors and telomere shortening. In essence, various components of the cell go through general wear and tear throughout the life of the cell. At some point, this damage means that the cell can no longer function as it used to.
Can we delay cell aging?
While Hayflick observed that normal human cells had a finite lifespan, some cells are able to multiply indefinitely. These cells normally come from cancer or have been genetically modified. By changing certain pathways in cells, such as how they multiply or maintaining telomeres, we can overcome the normal aging process.
Therefore, aging can be delayed in cells and is usually done to aid research. Importantly, however, these cells are not the same as the healthy cells you would find in the human body.
Can we delay the aging of animals?
Genetic manipulation can delay not only the aging of cells, but also in whole animals (also called “model organisms”). Experiments to delay aging have begun in the nematode worm C. elegans. Because of how easy it is to work these animals in the laboratory, scientists have found a whole range of ways that can be adapted to delay aging.
Interestingly, one of these pathways is related to metabolism and diet. Restricted diets have been found to delay aging in a whole range of animals, from flies to monkeys and dogs. Calorie-restricted intake could cause cells in the body to enter a “protective” mode, which slows down aging.
Dr. Gerardo Ferbeyre, an anti-aging expert at the University of Montreal, points out that “[a]Although not everything that works in model organisms is likely to work in humans, some of the ideas from aging research may eventually lead to anti-aging therapies. “
Can aging be delayed in humans?
Professor Janet Thornton, an anti-aging expert at the European Institute of Bioinformatics, points out that “[i]In humans, it is unethical to make mutations and there are so many conflicting forces at work that it is difficult to assess the impact of food restrictions. In the laboratory, the lifespan of worms can be increased 10 times; in flies and mice, the maximum increase is only 1.5 times, but an equivalent measure is not available in humans. The human system is likely to be complex with many interconnections and buffers, so such extensions may not be accessible. “
Despite these complications, there are some drugs that are undergoing clinical trials to see if they can delay aging in humans. So far, it is unclear whether these compounds will work.
Dr. Marco Demaria of the University of Groningen says: “We have several interventions on lifestyle that clearly influence the onset and progression of aging (diet and exercise at the top of the list).” Many other experts have suggested improving diet and exercise to delay aging. People who exercise regularly and live healthy lifestyles are usually more mobile and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.
Dining:
While aging is still inevitable for all living things, it is possible to delay it in cells and animals experimentally. For us humans, the best way to delay aging is to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Article based on 8 expert answers to this question: “Can aging be delayed?”
This expert response was published in partnership with the independent fact-finding platform Metafact.io. Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter.