As we age, many changes take place in our bodies, we become fragile, our hair turns white and our skin wrinkles. We also become more susceptible to disease and we can lose our cognitive skills.
Aging is generally considered an inevitable part of life, but can it be postponed, prolonging our youth? We asked 8 experts: ‘Can aging be postponed?’ Interestingly, there was a “likely” consensus of 75%. Here’s what we found.
What is aging?
All living things are made of cells. Scientists often grow cells in the laboratory to study them. In 1961, researcher Leonard Hayflick noted that, on average, a human cell can only divide 50 times before entering a state of hibernation called ‘senescence’. It is thought that an accumulation of senescent cells in the body’s tissues can damage other cells and play a crucial role in aging.
There are many causes for aging and senescence at the cellular level. This includes oxidative damage, the accumulation of small DNA errors and the shortening of telomeres. Essentially, different components of the cell undergo general wear and tear over the life of the cell. At some point, this damage means that the cell can no longer function as before.
Can we slow the aging of cells?
Although Hayflick noticed that normal human cells have a finite lifespan, some cells are able to multiply indefinitely. These cells are usually cancer cells or have been genetically modified. By altering certain pathways in cells, such as how they multiply or the maintenance of telomeres, we can overcome the normal aging process.
Aging can therefore be slowed down in cells and is done routinely to aid research. However, it is important to note that these cells are not the same as the healthy cells that you would find in the human body.
Can we slow the aging of animals?
Genetic manipulation can not only slow the aging of cells, but also of whole animals (also called ‘model organisms’). Experiments to delay aging began in the nematode worm C. elegans. Because of the ease of working with these animals in the laboratory, scientists have discovered a wide range of pathways that can be modified to slow aging.
Interestingly, one of these pathways is connected to metabolism and the diet. Restricted diets have been found to delay aging in a wide variety of animals, from flies to monkeys and dogs. Restricted calorie intake can cause the body’s cells to go into a “protective” mode, which slows down aging.
Dr. Gerardo Ferbeyre, an anti-aging expert at the University of Montreal, points out that “[a]While not everything that works in model organisms works in humans, some of the ideas from research on aging can eventually lead to antiaging therapies. “
Can aging be slowed in humans?
Professor Janet Thornton, an anti-aging specialist at the European Institute of Bioinformatics, points out that “[i]In humans, it is unethical to perform mutations, and there are so many conflicting forces at work that it is difficult to assess the impact of dietary restrictions. In the laboratory, the worms’ useful life can be increased by 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 buffering, so such extensions may not be accessible. “
Despite these complications, some drugs are undergoing clinical tests to see if they can slow aging in humans. So far, it is not clear whether these compounds will work.
Dr. Marco Demaria, from the University of Groningen, says: “We have several lifestyle interventions that clearly influence the onset and progression of aging (diet and exercise at the top of the list).” Many of the other experts have suggested improving diet and exercise to slow aging. People who exercise regularly and live healthy lifestyles are generally more mobile and enjoy a better quality of life as they age.
The lesson:
Although aging is probably still inevitable for all living things, it is possible to delay it in cells and animals experimentally. For us humans, the best way to slow aging is to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Article based on 8 expert responses to this question: “Can aging be delayed?”
This expert response was published in partnership with the independent fact verification platform Metafact.io. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.