senescenti

Senescenti is the plural form of senescente in Italian, used to refer to people who are aged or elderly. The term appears in sociocultural, medical, and policy contexts to describe older adults and populations with age-related needs.

In demographic and health discussions, senescenti constitute a growing segment of many societies due to increased life expectancy. Considerations surrounding this group include retirement, healthcare, social support, housing, and intergenerational relations.

In biology, the closely related concept is cellular senescence. The term senescenti is not commonly used in English-language biology; instead, scientists speak of senescent cells. These cells have permanently ceased dividing in response to stress or damage and acquire a distinct phenotype. They often express markers such as p16INK4a and p53 and exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). While they help prevent the proliferation of potential cancer cells and participate in development and wound healing, senescent cells can accumulate with age and contribute to tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and the progression of age-related diseases.

Research into mitigating the effects of senescent cells includes senolytic therapies that aim to selectively remove them or strategies to modulate their secretions. Early studies in animals and emerging clinical trials explore potential benefits for tissue function and healthspan, balanced against risks of disrupting normal physiology.

Etymology and usage: senescente derives from Latin, and senescenti functions as the plural in Italian. The term should not be conflated with the English senescence or senescent cells, which describe related but distinct concepts in aging biology.