Exploring the 10 Determinant Factors of Aging

Aging is a complex process that is influenced by various factors, both genetic and environmental. These factors can be grouped into 10 determinants of aging, each contributing to the gradual decline of physical and cognitive function over time. In this blog post, we will explore each of these determinants and their scientific relevance, drawing from the information provided on the Extended Longevity website.

1. Pineal/Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) Axis: This axis acts as the master time clock, coordinating the body's circadian rhythm and the time-cycled release of melatonin and other critical hormones and neurotransmitters. Supplementation of melatonin can help to rejuvenate the Pineal gland and improve its function. 2. Thymic Involution: As we age, the Thymus gland responsible for producing immune-resistant T-cells, begins to involute. By the age of 65, most of the Thymus has been replaced by adipose fat, leading to a loss of immune function and T-cell diminution. 3. Blood Signaling and Transcription: Through experimentation with heterochronic parabiosis, it was discovered that age-related signaling molecules circulating in the blood tell all of the body's 100 trillion cells to age. This process can be reversed. 4. Telomere Length: Located at the ends of chromosomes, telomeres protect chromosome ends. With age and exposure to various sources of oxidative stress, telomeres gradually shorten until the cell cannot replicate. This acts as an aging clock counting down the remaining life of the cell. 5. Senolytics: Cellular senescence contributes to age-related tissue dysfunction. Eliminating senescent cells resolves age-related disorders, which may increase lifespan. 6. Inflammaging: Chronic inflammation caused by low-grade persistent inflammation leads to tissue degeneration and is a contributor to various age-related diseases and natural processes in aging tissue. 7. Stem Cell Exhaustion: Stem cell exhaustion is a consequence of DNA damage, senescence, and other factors. It leads to a decrease in the renewal of stem cells and is a key component in the onset of age-related functional decline. 8. Cellular Metabolic Efficiency: Cellular Metabolic Efficiency (CME) is achieved when oxidative stress is minimized, increasing the efficiency of the cell mitochondria ATP energy-producing reaction. High antioxidant levels combined with bioavailability are the key to establishing CME, increasing energy, and reducing metabolic oxidative stress at the cellular level. 9. Epigenetic Clock: Epigenetics refers to the modification of our DNA, RNA, or protein, which can change and regulate these molecules without altering the primary sequence. Our genetics, lifestyle, the food we eat, and the environment we live in, affect these modifications, and therefore affects how our genes behave. 10.Extra Cellular Matrix Stiffening: The extracellular matrix is mostly comprised of collagen and elastin. Any damage that occurs with age and disease is essentially irreparable. The decrease in elastin, in turn, increases collagen content and ECM stiffness, causing age-related diseases such as hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

By addressing each of these determinants of aging through the 10 Phytotherapeutic Extract Formulations presented by Extended Longevity, we can improve our chances of extending our lifespan and maintaining better health and well-being as we age.