Understanding the Hallmarks of Aging

The podcast outlines twelve hallmarks of aging that contribute to the aging process in mammals, based on key research papers. These hallmarks include genomic instability, telomere attrition, and epigenetic alterations, which highlight how DNA damage and changes in gene regulation can lead to age-related diseases like cancer. For instance, genomic instability results from accumulated DNA errors, increasing the risk of various ailments, while telomeres, which protect chromosome ends, shorten with each cell division, facilitating cellular aging. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a deeper exploration of each hallmark and related lifestyle factors that can help mitigate their effects.