The Pillars of Ageing
Longevity medicine is an advanced, science-driven approach to healthcare that goes beyond simply extending lifespan. It focuses on enhancing healthspan—the years of life spent in peak physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By targeting the root causes of aging at the cellular and molecular levels, Longevity Medicine combines cutting-edge diagnostics, personalized strategies, and innovative therapies to help individuals thrive at any age.
Ageing is not just the passage of time—it is driven by interconnected biological mechanisms known as the “pillars of ageing.” These pillars guide Longevity Medicine’s strategies to slow, prevent, or even reverse age-related decline.
Lets take a deep dive into understanding ageing at a cellular level…
1. Genomic Instability
Over time, our DNA accumulates damage from environmental factors, metabolic processes, and random errors during cell replication. This damage compromises the integrity of our genetic material, leading to malfunctioning cells and an increased risk of age-related diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration
2. Epigenetic Alterations
Ageing is accompanied by changes in the way our genes are expressed, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These epigenetic changes can turn protective genes off and harmful genes on
3. Loss of Proteostasis
Proteostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance of proteins, which are essential for cellular function. With age, this system becomes less efficient, leading to the accumulation of misfolded and damaged proteins that impair cellular health
4. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, but they become less efficient with age leading to decreased energy production – think how your old phone battery just got less and less recharge in it over time. Less energy into the cells means our cells don’t function as well as they used to
5. Cellular Senescence
Senescent cells are damaged cells that stop dividing but don’t die. They accumulate with age and secrete harmful molecules that contribute to inflammation and tissue damage
6. Deregulated Nutrient Sensing
Ageing is influenced by how our bodies sense and process nutrients. Dysregulated nutrient-sensing pathways, such as insulin and mTOR, are linked to metabolic disorders and accelerated ageing
7. Inflamm-ageing
Low-grade, chronic inflammation increases with age, contributing to numerous conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline
8. Stem Cell Exhaustion
Stem cells are the body’s repair system, but their function declines with age, reducing the body’s ability to regenerate tissues
Longevity Medicine – a vibrant long life
Whilst ageing is inevitable, age related decline is not. Longevity medicine has strategies to address all of those ageing mechanisms.
It’s never to late to start turning the biological clock back. In our longevity clinic we will work with you to develop a tailored plan to optimise your healthspan.
Imagine maintaining your health and fitness deep into your 6th, 7th or 8th decade. What would you do with that additional time? Increase your current success, build a new success story or enjoy the benefits of your success and be strong enough to lift your grandchildren deep into your 80s?
These are the possibilities open to you by investing in your longevity now