February 16, 2026 09:59
The future of aging: Scientists explore ways to slow—and even reverse—the biological clock
The scientific community is increasingly confident that slowing the aging process, and potentially even reversing biological age, is within reach. This revolutionary field, known as ‘geroscience,’ shifts the focus from treating age-related diseases to targeting the aging process itself—the root cause of many illnesses. Leading geroscientists aren’t just conducting research in labs; they are similarly applying their findings to their own lives.
Combating Cellular Inflammation: The IL-11 and GLP-1 Breakthrough
As we age, our cells accumulate damage and release “inflammatory chemicals” into their surroundings. This inflammation is a major contributor to diseases like cancer, dementia, and heart disease. Researchers have identified IL-11, a molecule that increases with age and drives chronic inflammation. A 2024 study published in Nature demonstrated that a drug blocking this molecule extended the lifespan of mice by 25%. Calico Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Google, has already acquired the rights to develop this drug.
Interestingly, these drugs, initially developed for diabetes, have been found to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20%, independent of weight loss. Professor Stephen Austad believes that the potential of these medications means the first person to live to 150 is already alive today.
Experts’ Personal Routines: What Drugs and Supplements Are They Using?
Professor Matt Kaeberlein (University of Washington)
Professor Kaeberlein advocates for a “proactive” approach, addressing potential health issues before they arise:
Rapamycin: Originally used to prevent organ rejection, this drug has been shown to slow aging in animals. Kaeberlein takes 8 mg per week to support his immune system.
Low-dose lithium: He takes 5 mg of lithium orotate daily for brain health. Research suggests that areas with higher natural lithium levels in drinking water have lower rates of dementia and depression.
The truth about NAD supplements: Kaeberlein cautions that the popular and expensive NAD (NR or NMN) supplements are often overhyped, citing a lack of robust scientific evidence. He suggests that the more affordable vitamin B3 may offer similar benefits.
Professor Nir Barzilai (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)
Barzilai, who studies individuals over the age of 100, believes genetics play a role, but that biology can be influenced:
Metformin: He takes 1,500 mg of metformin daily for its potential anti-aging effects. Studies in monkeys have shown this drug can reduce biological age by eight years.
Autophagy (Cellular Cleansing): He restricts his eating window to between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, giving his body time to recycle damaged cells.
MEASURE WHAT YOU CAN’T IMPROVE, YOU CAN’T CHANGE
Professor Andrea Maier emphasizes that long life begins with “testing your personal biology.”
Critical tests: Beyond standard blood tests, she recommends DEXA scans for bone density, gut microbiome analysis, and epigenetic tests to assess biological age.
Muscle strength and step count: Muscle loss (sarcopenia) increases the risk of early death. Maier follows a rule of at least two weight training sessions per week and a minimum of 8,000 steps daily, advising, “If your step count is low, accept 50 steps during every commercial break.”
Dual-task training: She recommends exercises that challenge both thinking and movement, like doing mental calculations although walking, to preserve brain function.
NUTRITION AND CALORIE RESTRICTION
Professor Luigi Fontana is known for his human studies on longevity. He has demonstrated that reducing calorie intake by 12% (for example, from 2,000 to 1,760 calories) can rejuvenate the body biologically within two years, lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
Fontana prioritizes eating more during the most metabolically efficient time of day—before lunchtime—and stops eating five hours before bedtime.
CONCLUSION: GAINING 10 TO 15 YEARS IS WITHIN REACH
These experts agree that there is no “miracle pill” yet, but that lifestyle changes—including exercise, sleep, a healthy diet, and proactive health checkups—can add 10 to 15 years to your healthy lifespan.
The Scientists’ Gold List
Vitamin D: Supplementation to reduce the risk of falls and infections in old age (around 2,000 IU daily).
Grip strength: Increasing grip strength with kettlebells or weights (one of the best indicators of longevity).
Fermented foods: Eating yogurt, kefir, or pickles daily for gut microbiome health.
Early detection: Regular check-ups to identify health issues before symptoms appear.
Adapted from Daily Mail’s ‘The blueprint for a longer life, looking younger and reducing your biological age, by world’s top longevity scientists who reveal drugs, cheap supplements, tests and strategies they’re using themselves.’
