The gradual, measurable deviation of an individual’s key physiological parameters and homeostatic set points away from their optimal youthful or peak functional range over time. This drift encompasses changes in hormone levels, metabolic markers, and inflammatory profiles, representing the cumulative effect of aging and chronic allostatic load. It is a clinical term for the process of biological decline.
Origin
This concept arises from longevity research and systems biology, where the focus is on quantifying the trajectory of biological aging. The term “drift” conveys the subtle, continuous nature of this change, which eventually leads to a loss of resilience and increased vulnerability to disease. It is a way to quantify biological age versus chronological age.
Mechanism
The drift is mechanistically driven by the accumulation of cellular damage, including mitochondrial dysfunction and telomere shortening, which impairs the fidelity of cellular signaling. Chronic, low-grade inflammation, often termed inflammaging, also plays a central role by disrupting endocrine feedback loops and reducing tissue sensitivity to hormones. This systemic change leads to less precise homeostatic control, accelerating functional decline across all organ systems.
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