extendedlife

Extendedlife is a term used to describe efforts and strategies aimed at extending human healthspan and lifespan. In practice, it encompasses biomedical research, clinical interventions, and lifestyle approaches intended to slow aging processes and reduce the incidence of age-related diseases.

The field spans aging biology, translational medicine, and technology-enabled health strategies. Researchers study mechanisms such as cellular senescence, genomic and metabolic regulation, and regenerative approaches in animals and humans, while industry actors develop diagnostics, therapies, and consumer products marketed to supporters of extended life.

Current status: There is no proven method to substantially extend human lifespan. Animal studies show lifespan gains with various interventions. Human data, including caloric restriction, metabolism-modulating drugs, and senolytics, remain early-stage and mostly focused on healthspan and disease risk reduction rather than guaranteed longevity.

Implications and ethics: If extendedlife interventions become widespread, they could affect healthcare costs, retirement planning, and social equity. Debates focus on safety, access, potential for enhancement, and the risk that benefits accrue mainly to the well-resourced. Regulation seeks to balance innovation with patient protection.

See also longevity, aging research, geroscience, regenerative medicine.