The New Science of Longevity is revolutionizing the way we understand aging and health care. Based on geroscience studies, this approach analyzes the biological mechanisms of aging, proposing interventions that not only increase life expectancy, but also improve quality of life. In this post, we explore the latest innovations and trends that promise to transform human and animal health.
In August 2024, our co-founder and chief scientist, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, attended PetVet, an event dedicated to the veterinary sector, to share his knowledge on the science of longevity. Below you can watch the full lecture and access the subtitles directly from the YouTube player.
Geroscience: The Study of Biological Ageing
Geroscience investigates how ageing affects health and how we can intervene to promote healthy longevity. Rather than treating diseases in isolation, this science seeks to understand the underlying biological processes that affect multiple diseases at the same time.
A central idea of this approach is the difference between chronological age (years of life) and biological age (the body's state of health). Factors such as genetics and environment influence the aging of each individual, and understanding this dynamic is essential for personalized interventions.
The concept of Medicine 4.0 marks a significant change in health care, migrating from a reactive model to a preventive one. While Medicine 2.0 focused on treating isolated diseases, Medicine 3.0 and 4.0 prioritize personalized and preventive strategies that seek to maintain health throughout life, in both humans and animals.
This change is crucial, given the increase in chronic diseases. In the United States, around 60% of the population lives with at least one chronic disease, while in Brazil the figure is around 45%. This highlights the importance of extending health, not just life - a concept called healthspan.
Longevity: From Science to Practice
Advances in geroscience indicate that modulating biological ageing can be more effective than treating diseases in isolation. For example, curing cancer could increase the life expectancy of a 50-year-old woman by around three years. However, interventions that act on the biology of ageing could add up to three decades to her life.
The impact of this science also extends to animals. Studies with dogs, such as the Dog Aging Project, suggest that treatments based on the modulation of aging can increase not only longevity, but also the quality of life of our companions.
The New Science of Longevity promises to transform the way we deal with aging, both in humans and animals. By prioritizing preventive and personalized interventions, we are moving towards a future where living longer will also mean living better.
The combination of technology, artificial intelligence and scientific innovation opens up a range of possibilities for extending the healthspan and ensuring a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
If you're interested in advances in longevity and health, keep following our blog and share this content! Together, we can spread knowledge and improve the quality of life of the humans and animals around us.
