agelessness

Agelessness refers to the absence of aging in a biological sense, or to a state in which an individual maintains the appearance or vitality typically associated with youth, despite reaching older chronological ages. In scientific discourse, agelessness is not accepted as a proven state; instead, aging is treated as a complex, multidimensional process involving genetic, cellular, and environmental factors. Some researchers discuss slowing or altering aging processes rather than eliminating them entirely, using terms such as increased healthspan or postponed onset of age-related diseases.

Biogerontology studies mechanisms such as cellular senescence, telomere dynamics, mitochondrial function, and metabolic pathways to understand how aging occurs and how its effects might be delayed. Experimental approaches include caloric restriction mimetics, senolytic drugs, gene therapy, stem cell research, and tissue engineering. To date there is no scientifically verified method to achieve true agelessness in humans.

Cultural representations of agelessness appear in mythology, science fiction, religious thought, and popular media, where individuals may retain youth or immortality. These depictions often explore themes of power, wisdom, belonging, and the ethical implications of extending life.

Ethical, social, and policy considerations accompany discussions of agelessness, including access, equity, resource use, intergenerational dynamics, and the potential impacts on identity and meaning. The term is commonly used descriptively to refer to people who age slowly or appear youthful, rather than as a proven biological condition.