Can we delay aging? The biology and science of aging

Abstract

Long before the fountain of youth, mankind has had an interest in staying young. As we move into the 21st century, that interest has not only continued, but it has become an obsession. While no one can really prevent normal, chronological aging, there are things we can do to slow down "pathological aging." After all, aging is about accelerated inflammation, depletion, and wear and tear. With the marked increase in life expectancy and life span, clinicians need to be aware of the effects of aging on the provision of treatment modalities. Appropriate interventions individualized to the patient can help to "compress morbidity" by shortening the period of functional decline common in old age. Therefore, the "health span" will come closer to matching the life span. Disease and disuse are far more likely explanations for functional decline and the onset of common chronic conditions in older persons than is "true" natural or normal aging. Regardless of your genetic inheritance, you can accelerate aging by lifestyle choices and environmental conditions to which you expose your genes. There are even ways to reverse the problems associated with aging. Getting older does not have to mean growing older. Welcome to the world of preventative gerontology, better known as anti-aging medicine!