Geroscience is a philosophy of development that suggests aging can be slowed, and we should work to achieve this. In practice, it focuses on altering metabolism to slow aging, primarily through the development of supplements and repurposing of well-studied drugs. However, these approaches only produce modest benefits and are not as effective as regular moderate exercise or calorie restriction. This lack of ambition is partially due to regulatory challenges and expense, leading to unambitious development. If geroscience continues to produce interventions that achieve very little, it will be irrelevant in aging research. The focus should be on repairing molecular damage and rejuvenation, rather than simply slowing aging.
Is aging without illness possible? Research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging aims to address this question, testing supplements such as ketone ester to slow the aging process and improve health in older adults. Geroscience researchers hope to address the root causes of aging to stave off disability and diseases associated with old age, compressing years of illness into a shorter time frame. Compounds like rapamycin and the low-carb ketogenic diet have shown promise in slowing aging in animal studies, and clinical trials are underway to further explore their potential benefits in humans. The goal is to help people feel healthy for longer by targeting the processes believed to drive aging.
