Life extension theories
Life extension theories encompass various approaches aimed at slowing the aging process and potentially increasing human lifespan through the use of medicine, science, technology, and even spirituality. The concept gained prominence in the 1980s, largely due to the work of Saul Kent, who established organizations focused on nutritional supplements for health and longevity. Central to life extension is the belief that supporting the body’s natural immune system and replenishing dwindling vitamins and hormones can mitigate the effects of aging. Practices may include dietary supplements, hormone repletion, and alternative therapies like meditation and yoga, which aim to reduce stress, a significant factor in aging.
Although extensive research, including findings related to telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes—has indicated potential pathways for extending lifespan, there is currently no definitive scientific evidence that any specific supplement or intervention can reliably prolong human life. Furthermore, while certain practices like severe calorie restriction have shown promise in animal studies, caution is warranted due to potential health risks associated with high doses of supplements or interactions with prescription medications. As interest in these theories continues to grow, it is recommended that individuals consult qualified healthcare practitioners when considering life extension strategies to ensure safety and efficacy.
Life extension theories
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, fibromyalgia, leukemia, liver disease, lung disease, lupus, lymphoma, memory enhancement, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Revitalization of older adults, hearing enhancement, increased mobility, sexual potency, skin rejuvenation, sleep enhancement, vision enhancement
DEFINITION: Slowing the aging process and increasing the human lifespan through medicine, science, technology, and spirituality.
Overview
In 1980, when Saul Kent (1939-2023) wrote a book The Life Extension Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Better Health, Longer Life, and Physical Immortality and established the nonprofit nutritional supplement organization the Life Extension Foundationnow the Biomedical Research & Longevity Societythe term “life extension” came into worldwide prominence. Life extension primarily involves supporting the body’s natural immune system, using various supplements and hormones that aid the body in delaying aging. Supplements are often combined with other forms of alternative medicine, such as meditation and yoga, to decrease stress, a major contributor to aging. Calorie-restricting plans, nanotechnology, cellular engineering, cryogenics, and cloning are more experimental versions of life extension.
Mechanism of Action
The primary benefit of life extension is to elevate the levels of vitamins or hormones that are already present in the human body by using supplements because, during aging, levels of vitamins and hormones drop sharply. Life expectancy in the twenty-first century is around thirty years higher than in 1900, so modern older adults seek to look, feel, and act younger longer. To achieve more youthful-appearing skin, sharper mental acuity, greater sexual potency, and more energy, many people use nutritional supplements to increase antioxidants in the body, which combat free radicals, agents of aging. Furthermore, the repletion of hormones to their younger levels helps turn back the clock.
Though some of these theories and methods of life extension are widely discussed, there is no scientific evidence that any supplement, drug, practice, or genetic alteration extends the human lifespan.
Uses and Applications
Numerous supplements and hormones are specifically used in life extension to combat aging. Pregnenolone hormone is used to bolster memory and mental clarity. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) hormone is used to boost energy and vitality. Testosterone hormone is used to increase sex drive in both males and females. Estrogen and progesterone hormones are used by women to increase metabolism, libido, and mental acuity and to counter the negative effects of menopause. The hormone melatonin is used to aid sleep, reduce fatigue, and help fight against degenerative diseases. In addition to hormones, various vitamin and nutrient supplements are also extremely important in life extension therapy: Lipoic acid and green tea extract are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from age and disease. Along with aspirin, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and fish oil are all daily supplements recommended by life extension specialists for decreasing heart disease. Coenzyme Q10 and the amino acids carnosine and acetyl-L-carnitine, taken daily, boost energy.
Scientific Evidence
Since the 1930s, several hundred studies have shown that severe calorie restriction doubles the life span of mice, and many postulate that it lengthens the life span of humans as well. However, no double-blind, placebo studies exist to prove that claim. Severe calorie restriction, without nutritional deficiency, does, however, drastically lower sugar and fat intake, resulting in less diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
The most stunning scientific evidence to support life extension theory grew out of research for which American scientists were awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. These studies proved that telomeres, the protective end caps for human chromosomes, may be healed and regenerated. Since aging is caused by chromosomal DNA material lost during repeated cell divisionbecause of deteriorated telomere sheathsscientists believed that controlling telomeres made it possible to control chromosomal deterioration and, therefore, aging. As a result, scientists in the laboratory could take old, gray, sick mice that could not walk, genetically engineer their telomeres, and transform them within a few weeks into youthful, vibrant, running mice with sleek black fur. Scientists worldwide hailed the discovery of telomeres and techniques used to genetically engineer them as the single greatest scientific advancement for expanding the human life span in history.
Telomeres were described in scientific circles as the newly discovered fountain of youth. However, further research and human trials challenged the theory. Long telomeres in human participants caused tumors to grow rapidly and, in some people, a condition called clonal hematopoiesis. This conflicting finding indicated scientists still had much to learn about telomeres and their action in humans.
Choosing a Practitioner
A licensed medical doctor, particularly a nutritionist specializing in antiaging medicine, is the best choice for a life extension practitioner. The American Medical Association is the preeminent nutritional and antiaging physician referral source. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offer advice on choosing a practitioner.
Safety Issues
Those taking prescription drugs should avoid taking any supplements unless approved by a licensed physician to avoid adverse pharmaceutical effects or allergic reactions. Overdosing on supplements and hormones is also a great danger in life extension therapy. For years, it was thought that the more vitamin C consumed, the better, and many peopleparticularly athletestook massive doses of vitamin C daily. Scientific studies eventually demonstrated that massive doses of vitamin C taken daily over a long time actually may decrease lifespan, resulting in a greater incidence of stroke. The key to taking life-extension supplements and hormones is to consume them in moderation.
Bibliography
Blagosklonny, Mikhail. "The Goal of Geroscience Is Life Extension." Oncotarget, vol. 12, 2021, pp. 131-44, doi:10.18632/oncotarget.27882.
Fossel, M., et al. The Immortality Edge: Realize the Secrets of Your Telomeres for a Longer, Healthier Life. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
Ikeler, D. Life Extension. Classic Day, 2008.
"Long Telomeres, the Endcaps on DNA, Not the Fountain of Youth Once Thought—Scientists May Now Know Why." Johns Hopkins University, 5 Apr. 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/05/long-telomeres-the-endcaps-on-dna-not-the-fountain-of-youth-once-thought--scientists-may-now-know-why. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Maher, D., and Calvin Mercer. Religion and the Implications of Radical Life Extension. Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.
Miller, Phillip, and Monica Reinagel. The Life Extension Revolution: The New Science of Growing Older Without Aging. Bantam Books, 2006.
Tandy, Charles, et al. Doctor Tandy’s First Guide to Life Extension and Transhumanity. Ria University Press, 2001.