Part 7/14:
In recent years, scientists have identified 12 hallmarks of aging, which include genetic mutations, telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the accumulation of damaged cells. One particularly promising hallmark involves senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing yet persist in tissues, secreting inflammatory signals that drive many age-related diseases.
Research indicates that removing these senescent cells using senolytic drugs can significantly reduce symptoms of aging in mice—reducing cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. This approach shows that targeting fundamental processes of aging can benefit multiple age-related conditions simultaneously, offering a comprehensive strategy for extending healthspan.