The Science of Aging

Jeanne Calment - The Oldest Known Person

• Jeanne Calment lived for 122 years and 164 days.
• A millionaire pledged $1 million to anyone who could break her record.
• Living to this age or beyond is very rare and unlikely due to the limitations of the human body.

Understanding Aging

• Intrinsic processes and environmental interactions (e.g., sunlight, toxins) cause changes in body structure and function.
• These changes lead to molecular and cellular decline and eventually organism failure.
• There is no strict scientific definition of aging.

Mechanisms of Aging

• Scientists have identified nine physiological traits that play a central role in aging:

1. Genetic Damage

• Over time, bodies accumulate DNA lesions.
• Mitochondria are prone to damage, affecting ATP production and cell function.

2. Epigenetic Alterations

• Changes in gene expression patterns affect tissue and cell function.
• New genes become prominent in older people, potentially causing degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

3. Decline in Cellular Regeneration

• Chromosomal telomeres shorten with each cell replication.
• Shortened telomeres lead to cell death and reduced renewal ability.

4. Cellular Senescence

• Cells increasingly grow senescent, halting replication and growth.
• This response becomes more frequent with aging.

5. Decline in Stem Cells

• Stem cells decrease in number and regenerative potential with age.
• Affects tissue renewal and organ function maintenance.

6. Cellular Quality Control

• Aging cells lose the ability to perform quality control on proteins.
• Accumulation of damaged proteins can be toxic and increase metabolic activity.

7. Intercellular Communication

• Decreased intercellular communication undermines body functionality.

The Future of Aging

• Uncertainty remains about the factors extending life (diet, exercise, medicine, etc.).
• Potential future technologies (e.g., nanobots, gene therapy) could extend life.
• Ethical considerations: Do we want to live much longer?
• Jeanne Calment's age acts as inspiration for understanding aging and extending life.