Longevity
Living longer, living better. Longevity science focuses on extending healthspan—years of healthy, functional life. Key pathways include autophagy, sirtuins, and mTOR regulation. Interventions like fasting, exercise, and targeted supplements can influence these pathways.
Hallmarks of Aging
Genomic Instability
DNA damage accumulates. Mutations increase. Repair mechanisms decline.
Telomere Attrition
Chromosome caps shorten. Limit cell division. Biological clock.
Epigenetic Alterations
Gene expression changes. Methylation patterns shift. Information loss.
Loss of Proteostasis
Protein folding declines. Aggregates form. Autophagy slows.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Energy production drops. ROS increases. mtDNA mutations.
Cellular Senescence
Zombie cells accumulate. SASP inflammation. Tissue dysfunction.
Key Longevity Pathways
Autophagy
Cellular cleanup. Removes damaged proteins and organelles. Fasting activates.
Sirtuins
Longevity genes. Regulate metabolism, DNA repair. NAD+ dependent.
mTOR
Growth vs maintenance. Inhibition extends lifespan. Rapamycin targets.
AMPK
Energy sensor. Activated by exercise, fasting. Promotes longevity.
NAD+
Declines with age. Central to energy. Precursors: NMN, NR.
Nrf2
Master antioxidant switch. Activates defense genes. Sulforaphane activates.
Longevity Interventions
Caloric Restriction
Most proven intervention. 15-30% reduction. Activates longevity pathways.
Intermittent Fasting
Time-restricted eating. Triggers autophagy. More sustainable than CR.
Exercise
Cardio and strength. AMPK activation. Mitochondrial biogenesis.
Senolytics
Clear senescent cells. Quercetin + dasatinib. Fisetin. Research exciting.
NAD+ Precursors
NMN, NR supplements. Boost declining NAD+. Human trials ongoing.
Rapamycin
mTOR inhibitor. Extends lifespan in every species tested. Prescription only.