As we age, many changes occur in our body, we become fragile, our hair turns white and our skin wrinkles. We are also more susceptible to disease and may lose our cognitive abilities.
Aging is generally considered an inevitable part of life, but can it be delayed, prolonging our youthful years? We asked 8 experts the question, “Can aging be delayed?” Interestingly, there was a 75% “probable” consensus. This is what we have discovered.
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 noted that, on average, a human cell can only divide 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. Basically, different components of the cell go through a general wear and tear throughout the life of the cell. At some point, this damage means that the cell can no longer function as before.
Can we delay cell aging?
Although Hayflick noted that normal human cells had a finite life, some cells are capable of multiplying indefinitely. These cells are usually cancerous or have been genetically modified. By changing certain cell pathways, such as the way they multiply or the maintenance of telomeres, we can overcome the normal aging process.
Therefore, aging can be delayed in cells and is routinely done to aid research. It is important to note, however, that these cells are not the same as the healthy cells you will find in the human body.
Can we delay the aging of animals?
Genetic manipulation can not only slow the aging of cells, but also in whole animals (also called “model organisms”). Experiments to delay aging began in the nematode worm C. elegans. Because of the ease with which these animals can be worked on in the laboratory, scientists have found a number of pathways that can be adapted to delay aging.
Interestingly, one of these pathways is related to metabolism and diet. Restricted diets have been shown to delay aging in a whole range of animals, from flies to monkeys and dogs. Restricted calorie intake can cause the body’s cells to switch to a “protective” mode, which slows down aging.
Dr. Gerardo Ferbeyre, an anti-aging expert at the University of Montreal, notes that “[a]While not everything that works in model organisms will probably work in humans, some of the ideas that come from aging research may end up leading to anti-aging therapies. “
Can aging be delayed in humans?
Professor Janet Thornton, an expert in anti-aging 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 that it is difficult to assess the impact of dietary restrictions. In the laboratory, the life of worms can be increased tenfold; in flies and mice, the maximum increase is only 1.5-fold, but no equivalent measure is available in humans. The human system is likely to be complex with many interconnections and buffers, so these 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 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 suggested improving diet and exercise to delay aging. People who exercise regularly and live healthy lifestyles tend to be more mobile and enjoy a higher quality of life when they grow up.
Takeaway:
Although aging is still inevitable for all living things, it is possible to delay it in cells and animals experimentally. For humans, the best way to slow down aging is to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Article based on eight expert answers to this question: “Can aging be delayed?”
This expert response was published in collaboration with the independent fact-checking platform Metafact.io. Subscribe here to their weekly newsletter.