Study of the biology of aging could make us healthier, longer. Even if we don't live forever.
 This [B]OLDER conversation with Brit writer and scientist Andrew Steele is fascinating, period. And it's not just for science geeks.
The title of Andrew's book is AGELESS: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old.
With that title, you might think Andrew is primarily interested in extending our lifespan.
But Andrew sees aging as the single most important scientific challenge of our time because of the suffering that goes along with old age and associated diseases.
So he is primarily interested in prolonging our healthspan: how can we stay healthy and vigorous longer?
He explains the science of aging at the cellular level
In this episode I ask Andrew what the most important biological aging processes are.
He responds with a clear explanation of cell biology as it relates to aging: from senescent cells and cellular exhaustion to epigenetics and your epigenetic age, and more.
And how some of these genes and processes can be manipulated or repaired to delay aging - at least, so far, in worms and mice.
He is ebullient and makes everything understandable.
We talk about:
- The 10 hallmarks of the aging process
- Specifically, how research on worms and mice translates to humans
- Why 65 - 70 could be the ideal age to take an anti-aging pill (no, it doesn't exist yet)
We also discuss:
- Dietary restriction (a topic of aging research since the 1950s)
- Why the mega-wealthy are so interested in biohacking to improve health and extend life
- Moral and ethical implications of humans living much longer
Healthspan vs. Lifespan
 Andrew admits it can be confusing to sort out healthspan (staying healthy longer) vs. lifespan (increasing longevity) as the goal of aging research.
I.e. by helping people age better (i.e. with less suffering in old, old age) you will likely live longer.
I've listened to this episode several times and learn something new every time. I highly recommend this one!
Listen to Andrew Steele on research into the biology of aging and how it could help you stay healthier, longer.
Please subscribe to [B]OLDER and tell a friend
You can subscribe to [B]OLDER with Debbie Weil via all the usual podcast channels. And then listen when it's convenient for you.
And please tell a friend about the podcast.
With warm regards,
Debbie
story designer | writer | editor | podcaster
m: 202.255.1467
wordbiz@gmail.com
 Reinventing life and work and making the most of growing older. Recent episodes here.
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