The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old
Aging—not cancer or heart disease—is the underlying cause of most human death and suffering. Scientists work diligently to combat individual diseases, but we never ask: Is aging itself necessary?
In Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old, computational biologist and gifted science writer Andrew Steele reveals an exciting effort by scientists to develop treatments for aging that could offer an astonishing extension to our lifespan and a vastly improved quality of life in our later years.
In his new book, Steele charts the impressive progress scientists have made in recent years to secure biological immortality for humans by helping us become old without getting frail and to live longer without ill health or disease.
We age because our DNA is being damaged by our own actions, such as poor diet choices, smoking, or lack of physical activity. Eventually, our cells start to die or malfunction. The final stage in degeneration is caused by problems with our organs and internal systems and the increased inability to fight infectious diseases.
Combating Aging: Out With the Old
- Scientific testing has shown that decreasing aging “senescent” cells is possible through the use of dasatinib, a cancer drug used in chemotherapy, and a flavonol called quercetin, which is found in fruits and vegetables. Testing in humans is on-going.
- Studies have shown that eating less helps our bodies eliminate “junk” from our systems. Scientists are working on creating safe drugs that mimic the positive benefits of eating less.
- On-going scientific tests are now focused on the APP gene, which is believed to be a major cause of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Possible solutions are expected to be developed over the next few years.
In With the New:
- There are four ways scientists are working on replacing our aging immune system:
- Stem cell therapies that provide stem cells to underpin the regeneration of various parts of our body.
- Determining ways to help bolster our immune system.
- Improving our huge ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which we carry in our guts, on our skin, and elsewhere.
- Replacing damaged proteins outside our cells, which suffer chemical damage over time.
How To Live Long Enough To Live Even Longer:
- Don’t smoke!
- Don’t eat too much.
- Get some exercise.
- Get seven-to-eight hours of sleep a night.
- Get vaccinated and wash your hands.
- Take care of your teeth.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Don’t bother with longevity drugs—yet.
Ageless is an interesting journey through the field of aging biology, which has moved from hope to promise. This book is a roadmap, not only for scientists, but also for lay people. Living longer, healthier lives is the goal for all of us.
