For over a decade, this substance, extracted from the skin of red grapes, has been known to retard aging in mice. As a result, scientific researchers suggest that drugs that combat aging may be available within five years.Įarlier this month, a new study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine revealing the anti-cancer benefits of the chemical resveratrol. In fact, the possibilities of extending life years has been a topic of ground-breaking research by altering reproduction, reducing caloric intake, modulating the levels of hormones that affect growth and maturation, altering insulin-signaling pathways, and manipulating genes.

Although most medical research remains focused on combating individual diseases, the study’s authors used a micro-simulation of the future health and spending of older Americans and compared optimistic “disease-specific” scenarios with a hypothetical “delayed aging” scenario, to determine that delayed aging is estimated to increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years, most of which would be spent in good health.Īdding much weight to the argument, improvements in life expectancy and recent progress in biology have increased the promise of research and development in delayed aging. Slowing the biological aging process (senescence) is now a realistic goal.Īccording to a new research study published in Health Affairs, the elimination of diseases such as cancer and heart disease would have less effect on longevity and quality of life than delaying aging itself.

The Reframe by Brian Maddox