The following points or characteristics describe the biological processes of aging at the molecular level – supplemented here by brief explanations:
Genomic instability: Damage to the genetic material accumulates with age and promotes diseases such as cancer.
Telomere shortening: The ends of the chromosomes become shorter with each cell division – this limits the lifespan of the cells.
Epigenetic changes: Chemical changes in DNA influence gene activity – imbalances occur with age.
Loss of proteostasis: The cell's ability to correctly "fold" (assemble) or dispose of proteins decreases, disrupting cellular functions.
Deregulated nutrient perception: The body responds less well to signals such as insulin or mTOR – this promotes aging and metabolic disorders.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: The cell’s “power plants” produce less energy and more harmful byproducts.
Cellular senescence: Old cells (zombie cells) no longer divide, but emit pro-inflammatory signals and disrupt tissue function.
Stem cell exhaustion: The body's ability to regenerate decreases because stem cells are less active or functional.
Altered cell communication: Cells send faulty or too many signals – this can lead to inflammation and loss of function.
Chronic inflammation ("inflammaging"): A subliminal, age-related inflammation throughout the body – even without infection. This leads to disease.
Loss of adaptability: The body can react less flexibly to stress, such as changes in temperature or infections.
Impaired autophagy: Cellular self-cleaning is disrupted – damaged components are no longer efficiently degraded.
Modern strategies for living longer aim to identify and specifically influence precisely these processes.