Age Less / Live More
637: Telomeres and Aging with Dr. Richard Allsopp
Sep 11, 2024
Dr. Richard Allsopp, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii, focuses on telomeres and aging. He dives into the difference between biological and chronological age, explaining how telomeres function as protective caps on chromosomes. The conversation explores the role of the FOXO3 gene in longevity and the crucial enzyme telomerase in aging. Lifestyle choices impacting telomere length are emphasized, alongside strategies for potentially reversing telomere shortening, making for an insightful discussion on health and aging.
39:33
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Quick takeaways
- Telomeres serve as biomarkers for biological age, reflecting the health status of individuals and the impact of aging on cells.
- Lifestyle choices, such as exercise and diet, play a critical role in maintaining telomere length and influencing overall longevity.
Deep dives
Understanding Telomeres and Their Role in Aging
Telomeres are essential components located at the ends of chromosomes, acting as protective caps that preserve DNA stability. As individuals age, telomeres naturally shorten, which can lead to cellular senescence and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The length of telomeres serves as a biomarker for biological age, allowing for the distinction between chronological age and the actual health status of an individual. Lengthening the telomeres may be possible through specific lifestyle choices and interventions, which could have a substantial impact on overall longevity.
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