How close is science to achieving life extension for humans? From what I read, we now know a lot about how life works, what causes aging, and how to prevent disease and deterioration. We have the tools to change cellular function at a genetic and epigenetic level.
In labs across the globe, researchers are successfully extending life in worms, fruit flies, and mice. Scientists are unraveling the causes of aging in mammals very similar to humans.
Are there are already supplements that we might take as aging seniors? Probably. Are there things we should be doing to enhance our chances of staying alive and healthy longer? Certainly.
Why We Die and What Helps Us Live
They’ve mapped some of the pathways that activate longevity genes that repair DNA and protect animals from disease and cancer. In many cases, these same pathways exist in humans. There’s no reason to believe we can’t extend lifespan in humans just as we’ve shown in laboratory species.
Here’s what Richard Feynman, Nobel-Prize winning physicist, says about life extension:
There is nothing in biology yet found that indicates the inevitability of death. This suggests to me that it is not at all inevitable and that it is only a matter of time before biologists discover what it is that is causing us the trouble.
One of the leading scientists in life extension is Dr. David Sinclair. I’m currently reading his book Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To. This award-winning researcher believes that aging can be explained by The Information Theory of Aging, which assumes that decreased functionality of an organism and its systems is because of loss of cellular repair mechanisms. These happen with the accumulation of genomic damages in the cells. Cellular signaling goes awry and causes damage to DNA. He states,
No physical, chemical or biological laws say that life must end. Living things are open systems. Life can potentially last forever as long as it can preserve critical biological information and absorb energy from somewhere in the universe.
Life Extension Lifestyles
Of course, this doesn’t mean that just because we know how to turn on longevity genes we can do so at will. There are several behaviors that encourage these genes to work their magic, but it doesn’t mean people will start using them.
Some life extension lifestyles will never be adopted by a majority of people because they cause discomfort (caloric restriction, periodic fasting, cryotherapy, and exercise are examples of activities that turn on longevity genes).
Supplements to Boost Life Extension
There are several natural supplements and medicines that influence these longevity genes. But we are still a ways away from clinical trials in humans. We don’t know ideal dosages, possible side effects and downsides of long-term usage. For now, anti-aging products fall under the regulations for cosmetic medicine which are less tight than those for drugs.
In a way, this is a good thing. Adventurous seniors, athletes, and health fanatics can try some approaches without waiting for FDA approval. Resveratrol, the active longevity ingredient in red grapes and wine, for example, is available now. I’m taking it because the science behind it makes sense and I don’t drink wine.
There are studies currently evaluating other substances that look promising for life extension in humans. Metformin, a prescription drug for diabetes, is known to have longevity effects. I’ve been taking it as well, as it is available over the counter in Mexico and many other countries. It’s one of the most widely consumed drugs in the world, known to be safe.
TAME – Targeting Aging with Metformin
Led by Nir Barzilai, MD, Deputy Scientific Director of AFAR, the TAME Trial is a series of nationwide, six-year clinical trials at 14 leading research institutions that will engage over 3,000 individuals between the ages of 65-79.
These trials will test whether those taking metformin experience delayed development or progression of age-related chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia—compared with those who take a placebo.
If successful, this study could open the way to other drugs that target aging itself. The incidence of major diseases increases exponentially as we age. Research into the biology of aging, therefore, is a critical strategy towards helping us grow older, healthier.
Life extension could be a reality soon. Of course, some seniors could die waiting for FDA approval for some medicines that cure or diminish the progression of aging. We already know a lot about slowing down aging. And we know how devastating the diseases of aging are. Not only do they restrict our activities, they cause further deterioration and other diseases.
Longevity isn’t so much about living longer as it is living well for as long as we are alive. I, for one, will do everything I can, even if it means going out in the cold to walk this morning. Yes, even in Arizona, where we moved two weeks ago, it is only 48 degrees F at 7 a.m.
And you? What are you doing today to fight the war on aging?
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