Throughout history, humanity has always sought the secret of eternal youth. Today, thanks to advances in science, we are getting closer to better understanding the mechanisms of aging. Life expectancy has grown significantly over the years, but could geroscience take us even further?
Prof. João Pedro de Magalhães, an eminent microbiologist, is studying just this. His research, based on solid scientific foundations, could open new avenues for understanding and, perhaps, slowing the aging process, giving us a completely new perspective on life and longevity.
Geroscience and the search for longevity: a timeless challenge
Over the past twenty years, global life expectancy has increased by more than six years, as reported by the World Health Organization. Hong Kong, for example, has seen a notable increase: in 1971, life expectancy at birth was 67,8 years for men and 75,3 for women. In 2022, these numbers have risen to 81,3 and 87,2 years, respectively.
Geroscience, or the science of aging, is a rapidly growing field. Many researchers, including João Pedro de Magalhães, believe that we can live much longer than we imagine. De Magalhães, professor of molecular biogerontology at the University of Birmingham, is convinced that we will live to be 1000 years old or even more.
The “cure” of aging
Prof. de Magalhães sees aging as a disease, and not as a natural process. This perspective might seem bold, but it has a solid scientific basis. A century ago, a disease like pneumonia was often fatal. Today, thanks to antibiotics, it is easily treatable. Why couldn't we do the same with aging?
Longevity biotechnology is attracting more and more interest and investment (with particular attention from tech moguls). In 2020, the global anti-aging therapies market was valued at $25,1 billion (converted to euros, approximately $21,3 billion). Geroscience is expected to reach $44,9 billion (around €38,1 billion) by 2030.
Rapamycin: a key to near-immortality?
We have already talked about it several times: the Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, could be one of the answers to the challenge of aging. In labs, it has been shown to extend the lives of animals, such as mice, by 10 to 15 percent. Rapamycin enhances autophagy, a process that removes unnecessary, abnormal, and damaged components within cells and prevents cell stress. It may have the potential to slow cell degeneration, a key factor in aging.
- Beneficial effects: The beneficial effects of rapamycin are mediated, at least in part, by reduced expression of RANTES and infiltration of inflammatory cells S. Lui et al., 2008, American Journal of Nephrology.
- Prolonged treatment: Prolonged treatment with rapamycin led to beneficial metabolic alterations, consistent with the previously observed life extension Yimin Fang et al., 2013, Cell metabolism.
Geroscience? Live well, live long
While the research on longevity is fascinating, it is essential to also live a healthy life. Prof. de Magalhães, although not following a Spartan lifestyle, emphasizes the importance of physical exercise. Nothing we don't already know this time.
What we don't know? Well, everything else. The “if” and “when” we will be able to slow down, then stop aging for a long time. Personally I don't believe in some kind of immortality, but extending life by twice as much would bring gigantic philosophical and ethical implications. As we move closer to better understanding the secrets of aging, we must also reflect on the societal consequences of a world full of people with extremely long lives.
In any case, there is no doubt that scientific research is opening the doors to a future full of promises and opportunities.
