As we age, many changes happen in our body, we become brittle, our hair turns white, and our skin wrinkles. We also become more prone to illness and can lose our cognitive skills.
Aging is generally considered an inevitable part of life, but can it be delayed, extending our youthful years? We asked 8 experts, “Can aging be delayed?” Interestingly, there was a “probable” consensus of 75 percent. Here’s what we found out.
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 divide only 50 times before it enters a hibernation-like state called “senescence.” It is believed that an accumulation of aged cells in tissues of the body could damage other cells and play a critical role in aging.
There are many causes of aging and aging at the cellular level. These include oxidative damage, accumulations of small defects in the DNA and the shortening of telomeres. In essence, various components of the cell undergo general wear and tear over the life of the cell. Due to this damage, the cell can no longer function as it used to.
Can we slow down aging in cells?
Although Hayflick noted that normal human cells had finite lifespans, some cells can multiply indefinitely. These cells normally come from cancers or are genetically modified. By changing 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 in cells and is done routinely to aid research. Importantly, however, these cells are not the same as the healthy cells you would find in the human body.
Can we slow down aging in animals?
Genetic engineering can slow the aging of not only cells, but also whole animals (also called ‘model organisms’). Experiments to slow aging started in the nematode worm C. elegansBecause of the ease with which these animals can work in the lab, scientists have found a whole host of avenues that can be tinkered with to slow aging.
Interestingly, one of these pathways is related to metabolism and nutrition. Restricted diets have been found to slow the aging of a range of animals, from flies to monkeys to dogs. The limited calorie intake can cause the cells in the body to go into a ‘protective’ mode, slowing 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 is likely to work in humans, some of the ideas that come from aging research could eventually lead to anti-aging treatments. ‘
Can aging be slowed in humans?
Professor Janet Thornton, an anti-aging expert from the European Bioinformatics Institute, emphasizes that “[i]In humans, it is not ethical to carry out mutations, and there are so many conflicting forces at work that it is difficult to estimate the impact of dietary restrictions. In the laboratory, the life of worms can be extended 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, there are some drugs undergoing clinical trials to see if they can slow aging in humans. So far it is not clear whether these connections 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 (nutrition and exercise are at the top of the list).” Many of the other experts suggested improving diet and exercise to slow aging. People who exercise regularly and lead healthy lifestyles tend to be more mobile and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.
The takeaway:
While aging is probably still inevitable for all living things, it is possible to delay it experimentally in cells and animals. 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 has been published in conjunction with the independent fact-checking platform Metafact.io. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter here.