In recent years, researchers have made significant strides in understanding the biology of ageing and the underlying mechanisms that drive the ageing process.
The Hallmarks of Aging, a framework developed by leading researchers in the field — as of 2023 — identifies twelve distinct biological processes contributing to ageing. These hallmarks are genomic instability, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, dysbiosis, deregulated nutrient sensing, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, disabled macroautophagy, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication.
Scientists are actively developing new compounds, molecules, and therapeutic strategies, such as regenerative medicine, to promote healthy longevity by understanding the underlying biological processes of ageing.
This guide will delve into the twelve hallmarks of ageing, introducing key scientific concepts and terminology along the way.
