Can aging be treated like a disease? Scientists are starting to find out

Key Points:

• Scientists are exploring the possibility of targeting the biological processes of aging to prevent multiple age-related diseases simultaneously, aiming to extend both lifespan and health span.
• Current research focuses on identifying biomarkers of aging through epigenetics and multi-omic data to measure how interventions affect biological aging, though clinical evidence in humans is not yet established.
• Long-term clinical trials are challenging due to the decades it takes for age-related outcomes to manifest, prompting efforts to find reliable surrogate biomarkers that predict health benefits earlier.
• Longevity clinics are emerging globally, offering personalized assessments and interventions, but experts stress the need for regulation, exemplified by Abu Dhabi’s pioneering licensing framework for Healthy Longevity Medicine Centers.
• Despite advances, basic lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, diet, and social connections remain proven, accessible ways to improve health span without requiring specialized medical treatments.