Functional longevity protocols are integrated, personalized health strategies specifically designed to extend the period of human life spent in optimal health, free from chronic disease and functional decline. These protocols move beyond mere lifespan extension to focus on maximizing ‘healthspan’—the years of high-quality, independent function. The approach is data-driven, utilizing advanced diagnostics to guide interventions in diet, exercise, supplementation, and hormonal optimization.
Origin
This term is a contemporary evolution from traditional anti-aging medicine, blending principles from functional medicine, precision health, and gerontology. The emphasis on “functional” reflects a clinical goal of preserving physiological capacity and performance, not just biochemical markers. These protocols are based on the scientific understanding of the Hallmarks of Aging and the modifiable nature of age-related cellular decline.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves targeting the primary drivers of cellular aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Protocols are designed to enhance cellular repair pathways, such as autophagy, and optimize key metabolic and hormonal signaling cascades, notably insulin sensitivity and the somatotropic axis. By systematically mitigating these underlying mechanisms of aging, the protocols aim to sustain the body’s homeostatic resilience and extend functional reserve.
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