What if ageing wasn’t just something that happened to us, but a process we could actively shape?
Longevity science is redefining how we view getting older—not as an inevitable decline, but as something we can influence through biology, lifestyle, and cutting-edge interventions.
Dr. Soheil Saeedi is at the forefront of this research. As a member of AVEA’s Scientific Advisory Board, he offers unique insights into the science of ageing. In this interview, he debunks common myths, highlights overlooked compounds that could revolutionise longevity, and reveals the everyday habits that may be silently accelerating the ageing process.
Read on for his expert take. This is part 3 of our #LongevityUnlocked Series!
1. Tell us about yourself—what’s your background, and how did you end up in the world of longevity science?
I am a pharmacologist and vascular biology scientist, currently leading the Cardiovascular Aging Lab (Saeedi Lab) at the University of Zurich. My background is in cardiovascular ageing and pharmacology research, with a strong focus on how gut microbiome and molecular pathways drive ageing and age-related cardiovascular diseases.
My path into longevity science wasn’t direct—I started by studying how cardiovascular ageing is influenced by the gut microbiome and metabolic shifts. Over time, I became fascinated by how senescence and cellular energy metabolism intersect in the ageing process. I realised that by targeting these hallmarks of ageing, we could develop therapeutic strategies to slow down or even reverse some aspects of biological ageing.
My current research explores microbiome-based interventions and senolytics to extend healthspan and prevent ageing-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Senolytic + Probiotic duo
- Lowers inflammation, enhances relaxation
- Restores gut balance, calms mind
- Removes aged (zombie) cells
- Promotes faster recovery, boosts vitality
- 90-day money-back guarantee
2. What’s the biggest lie we’ve been told about ageing? (And why is it completely wrong?)
One of the biggest myths is that ageing is an inevitable, passive process that we have no control over—as if it’s simply about wear and tear, like a machine breaking down over time. This is completely outdated.
Modern research has shown that ageing is a highly regulated biological process, controlled by molecular pathways that can be modified through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted interventions. For example, we now know that:
- Cellular senescence can be slowed or reversed using senolytics.
- Mitochondrial function can be improved with metabolic modulators like NAD+ precursors and specific short-chain fatty acids.
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in ageing, influencing inflammation, metabolism, and even cellular senescence.
Ageing is not a predetermined fate—it’s something we can actively influence.
3. What’s one thing about longevity science that you wish more people understood?
Longevity is not just about extending lifespan—it’s about extending healthspan. People often assume that longevity science is about living longer, but the real goal is to compress morbidity—in other words, to increase the years spent in good health and reduce the time spent in age-related decline.
No one wants to live to 100 if the last 30 years are filled with frailty and disease. The goal of longevity science is to push the onset of chronic diseases as far back as possible, so people can remain independent, energetic, and fully functional well into old age.
While cutting-edge research uncovers new molecular targets for ageing, some of longevity’s most powerful keys remain remarkably simple: a nutrient-dense diet, regular physical activity, and a socially engaged lifestyle.
Studies consistently show that healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, combined with movement-rich habits, from walking to strength training, and strong social connections contribute significantly to longevity. These factors not only help prevent chronic diseases but also enhance mental resilience and quality of life, proving that longevity isn’t just shaped in the lab—it starts with daily habits.
4. If you had to explain longevity to an 8-year-old, how would you do it?
I would say:
“Imagine your body is like a bike. If you take care of it, clean it, and oil the gears, it will last a long time and work well. But if you never take care of it, the wheels get rusty, and it breaks down faster. Longevity is about taking care of your body every day so it stays strong and works well for a long time!”
5. Be honest—what’s your favourite Avea supplement and why?
I really like NAD+ Boosters because NAD+ is one of the most essential molecules for cellular energy, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to fatigue, metabolic slowdown, and reduced cellular repair.
By restoring NAD+ levels with precursors like NMN or NR, we can support energy metabolism, mitochondrial health, and overall longevity.
‘’I see NAD+ restoration as one of the most promising interventions in the longevity space.’’
The Longevity Bundle combines an NAD+ precursor with Resveratrol, a well-known polyphenol that activates Sirt1, a key longevity regulator.
Boost your energy levels
- Boosts energy and vitality
- Enhances performance and recovery
- Sharpens focus, reduces fatigue
- Supports deep, restful sleep
Sirt1 plays a crucial role in mitochondrial biogenesis, vascular health, and cellular stress resistance, helping to rejuvenate endothelial cells and support cardiovascular function. The synergy between NAD+ and Sirt1 activation enhances metabolic efficiency and cellular resilience, making this combination particularly powerful for protecting against age-related decline.
Another standout supplement is the Inflammaging Routine, which focuses on probiotics with anti-inflammatory and gut-supporting properties.
Senolytic + Probiotic duo
- Lowers inflammation, enhances relaxation
- Restores gut balance, calms mind
- Removes aged (zombie) cells
- Promotes faster recovery, boosts vitality
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Chronic, low-grade inflammation—often referred to as inflammaging—is a major driver of age-related diseases, from metabolic disorders to cognitive decline. By modulating the gut microbiome with carefully selected probiotic strains like Lactobacilus Rhamnosus GG and Lactobacilus Casei, this routine helps reduce systemic inflammation, support immune balance, and promote a healthy gut barrier, which is crucial for overall well-being and longevity.
6. Is there a particular nutrient or compound in longevity research that excites you? (Something people should be talking about more!)
One compound that I believe deserves more attention in longevity science is the short-chain fatty acid sodium acetate. Our recent findings, accepted by Nature Aging, highlight its potential as a senomorphic compound, meaning it can help counteract cellular senescence without killing the cells, unlike traditional senolytics.
Ageing leads to metabolic shifts that deplete acetate levels, which we found to be crucial for maintaining endothelial health. In our study, sodium acetate rescued endothelial senescence, restoring redox balance and mitochondrial function via Sirt1 activation.
Since endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of cardiovascular ageing, targeting acetate metabolism could be a promising strategy to maintain vascular health and extend healthspan.
Most people associate acetate only with short-chain fatty acids from the gut, but its systemic effects on longevity are just starting to be understood. I believe sodium acetate supplementation could become a novel microbiome-based approach to combat age-related diseases.
7. What’s a misconception about supplements that you wish people would finally stop believing?
Supplements can’t replace a poor lifestyle. No supplement can undo the effects of chronic stress, poor sleep, lack of exercise, and a bad diet.
Supplements work best as enhancers—they amplify the benefits of an already healthy lifestyle. If someone isn’t eating well, exercising, or managing stress, supplements won’t be a magic fix.
8. What’s one thing most people do daily that secretly speeds up ageing?
Chronic stress and sleep deprivation.
Stress triggers chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerates cellular ageing. Poor sleep impairs DNA repair, metabolic function, and brain detoxification. Together, they can biologically age a person by years.
Managing stress and prioritising quality sleep should be considered as important as diet and exercise for longevity.
A common misconception is that artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which contains phenylalanine, are entirely harmless and have no impact on ageing. Many people consume energy drinks containing the sweeteners daily and believe they are a healthier alternative to sugar, but our recent studies show that gut bacteria metabolise these compounds into derivatives that promote cellular senescence in diverse tissues.
This process accelerates ageing by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact metabolic and vascular health. Longevity isn’t just about what we add to our diet—it’s also about avoiding hidden accelerators of ageing.
9. If you had to rank sleep, exercise, and diet for longevity—knowing all three are essential—what would be your 1, 2, and 3?
1. Diet – Fuels longevity, but without proper sleep and exercise, even the best diet won’t compensate.
2. Sleep – It’s the foundation of cellular repair and longevity.
3. Exercise – The best anti-ageing intervention we have, improving metabolism, mitochondrial function, and stress resilience.
Boost your energy levels
- Boosts energy and vitality
- Enhances performance and recovery
- Sharpens focus, reduces fatigue
- Supports deep, restful sleep
10. What’s the strangest or most unconventional thing you do to boost your longevity?
I practice cold exposure and drink a lot of coffee. Cold exposure (like cold showers) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances cellular resilience, making the body more adaptable to stress. It may seem extreme, but the science behind it is solid!
As for coffee—while some might see it as a guilty pleasure, I consider it part of my longevity routine. Coffee polyphenols have been shown to support brain function, metabolic health, and even longevity, so I like to think my habit has some scientific justification!
We have recently demonstrated that 3-4 cups of coffee a day improves cognitive function in older adults with atrial fibrillation. This work has been published in Journal of American Heart Association.
11. What’s your guilty pleasure that technically isn’t longevity-friendly, but you still won’t give it up?
Spending long hours sitting behind my computer—whether for research, writing, or analysing data. I know that prolonged sitting isn’t ideal for longevity, but when I’m deep into a project, I lose track of time. I try to balance it with movement and stretching, but it’s definitely a habit I need to work on.
Also, I have a weakness for pastries—although I usually try to bake sugar-free cakes myself! While I know refined sugars aren’t great for longevity, I believe in moderation rather than complete restriction. A little indulgence now and then is part of enjoying life!
12. If you had 30 seconds to convince someone to take their longevity seriously, what would you say?
“Ageing isn’t just about getting older—it’s about how well you live those years. Every decision you make today—what you eat, how you sleep, how you move—determines whether you’ll be vibrant, independent, and sharp in your later decades. Longevity isn’t about adding years; it’s about adding quality years. Start making small, science-backed changes today, and your future self will thank you.”
