FOR centuries, humanity has sought ways to prolong life, with the quest for longevity dating back thousands of years. Molecular biologist João Pedro de Magalhães says it well: “Aging is natural. On the other hand, technology and science aim to exceed our natural limits. » Today, scientists and experts around the world are exploring revolutionary approaches to extending human lifespan – from gene therapies that help cells resist or even reverse aging, to innovations that were once only available than science fiction, such as cryogenics and storage in digital memory.

The global market for longevity and anti-aging therapies is growing rapidly and is expected to reach $44.2 billion by 2030, a substantial increase from $25.1 billion in 2020, according to Allied Market Research. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel laureate and former president of the Royal Society, notes that more than 300,000 scientific papers on aging have been published in the last decade, and more than 700 startups have invested billions in research into longevity. This global momentum reflects humanity’s commitment to living longer and healthier lives.

The Philippines, like many countries, is experiencing a demographic shift towards an aging population. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, by 2045, approximately 15.9 percent of the population will be aged 60 or older. With this aging trend and a growing understanding of how social factors influence aging and well-being, interest in treatments, from simple, non-invasive treatments to more advanced methods like regenerative medicine and cell therapies, is becoming popular.

In “Guide to Longevity: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging — and Not Die of Something Stupid,” Dr. Peter H. Diamandis offers additional tips for longevity. It highlights muscle-strengthening exercises, advanced diagnostics for preventative care and supplements to optimize cellular health, and a “longevity mindset.” It also emphasizes that quality sleep is crucial for rejuvenation, cognitive function and immunity.

Breakthroughs

At a recent conference on regenerative medicine in Asia, Dr. Quincy Raya, medical director of Raya Clinic and founding vice president of the Asian Society of Regenerative Medicine, discussed the many applications of regenerative medicine such as orthopedics, general surgery, neurology. , ophthalmology, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, aesthetics, gynecology, men’s health, dental and cell transplantation. In her presentation, she spoke about regenerative medicine, “an emerging interdisciplinary approach beyond disease management,” which “helps the body repair, regenerate and return to a state of well-being,” as well as to “create tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage, or defects.” It uses cell therapies, tissue engineering strategies and bio-hybrid organ devices.

Aware of the developments in the fields of biotechnology and artificial intelligence for health and longevity, Dr Raya will organize a conference on longevity and biohacking by August next year. This will bring together experts in longevity science, notably from Harvard, Stanford and Cornell universities.

Stem cell therapies are particularly promising. Dr. Chadwick Prodromos, Director of the Prodromos Stem Cell Institute, highlights the potential of stem cell infusions to reduce memory loss, brain fog and fatigue, as well as rejuvenate the heart and brain. These treatments are also being studied for neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, strokes and cerebral palsy.

Additionally, a Harvard study spanning 85 years found that positive relationships are vital to a longer, healthier life. This landmark research emphasizes the importance of social fitness and strong connections, which contribute to happiness and support physical and mental well-being.

The rise of technology also contributes to healthy aging, from smart home devices that help older adults live independently to tools that maintain social connections. These advances are crucial for early detection and management of diseases, allowing individuals to monitor their health and access preventative care.

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute explains that aging is a complex process related to the decline in the body’s ability to regenerate new tissues. Although stem cells are not a “fountain of youth,” they offer insight into the causes of aging-related diseases and hold promise for developing new strategies to help people live healthier, more productive lives. Stem cells can help understand the root causes of aging and contribute to treatments that improve quality of life as we age.

Practical steps

As research and advanced technologies continue to evolve and push the boundaries of what was previously possible, the vision of a longer, healthier life becomes more achievable. However, we should not overlook the fact that some of the simplest steps to prolonging life involve self-management: diet, exercise, social relationships and sleep. These basic yet powerful habits provide the foundation for a longer life.

Alvin Lopez is a healthcare executive at a Fortune 500 company. He completed his post-graduate medical education at Harvard Medical School and is passionate about promoting health equity and addressing the social determinants of health. health.