What is the Origin of Geroscience Principles?

The term 'Geroscience' is a modern construct, combining the Greek 'geron' meaning 'old person' or 'old age,' with 'science,' signifying a systematic study. It was formally established as a distinct discipline to bridge the gap between basic biology of aging and clinical medicine. This scientific perspective shifted the clinical focus from treating individual age-related diseases to addressing the underlying biological drivers of senescence.

What is the Mechanism of Geroscience Principles?

Geroscience interventions operate by modulating core aging pathways such as cellular senescence, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, and loss of proteostasis. For instance, optimizing NAD+ levels supports DNA repair and sirtuin activity, while senolytics selectively clear senescent cells that secrete pro-inflammatory factors. Endocrine health is central, as age-related declines in hormones like DHEA, growth hormone, and sex steroids are direct manifestations of these underlying biological aging mechanisms.

Geroscience Principles

Meaning

Geroscience Principles define the interdisciplinary framework that views aging not as an inevitable decline but as a fundamental biological process amenable to therapeutic intervention. This field focuses on the shared molecular and cellular pathways—the “hallmarks of aging”—that are common risk factors for multiple chronic diseases, including hormonal dysregulation and metabolic syndrome. Clinically, applying these principles means targeting the root causes of aging to simultaneously prevent or delay a constellation of age-related pathologies. The ultimate goal is to compress morbidity and extend the period of healthy life, or healthspan.