The first world conference on life extension was held in the capital of Japan. Scientists reviewed scientific achievements, possible lifestyle adjustments, and methods for prolonging the active period of existence. Among the key factors contributing to a healthy old age, participants identified four. These include maintaining significant social contacts, possessing a sense of gratitude, regular physical activity, and a diet enriched with plant-based proteins and fiber. Significant attention was also paid to the biological mechanisms of aging. Steve Horvath, representing the biotechnology corporation Altos Labs, demonstrated how epigenetic markers (so-called “clocks”) reflect the individual wear and tear of each organ, hereditary factors, and the external environment. Epigenetic clocks are essentially a mathematical tool for assessing tissue age, based on the study of DNA modifications (methyl groups). Initially, these clocks were created to predict the chronological age of tissues, but now they are used to analyze biological aging. For example, it was found that descendants of long-lived people exhibit a “younger” epigenetic age, which underscores the role of both genetics and lifestyle in longevity. Moreover, it was discovered that the rates of epigenetic wear vary by organ: in long-lived individuals, the cerebellum and retina degrade more slowly, while changes in blood and bone tissue occur faster. A presentation by Tamotsu Yoshimori from Osaka University covered autophagy—the process of cellular “self-cleaning” from ballast elements. The scientist examined it in the context of maintaining cellular health and slowing down aging processes. He explained how autophagosomes (a key element of the process) utilize damaged cellular components, ensuring energy homeostasis and structural integrity of proteins. Blocking the protein Rubicon, which inhibits autophagy, demonstrated the potential to increase lifespan and improve nervous system function in laboratory models. Francis Chen from the Chinese University of Hong Kong emphasized the gut microbiota as a major factor in systemic aging. His research showed that with age, both the diversity of the microbial community and the production of metabolites decrease, and the gut barrier function is impaired, leading to chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline. Interestingly, people who have lived a long life do not show a microbiota composition with a “young” profile. On the contrary, they exhibit a decrease in the number of dominant microbial strains but an increase in species diversity among less numerous, yet beneficial, bacteria. This indicates a specific age-related adaptation of the microflora. In normal intestinal aging, the number of mucin-degrading bacteria (e.g., *Bacteroides*) usually declines, but this deficit is compensated by the growth of beneficial species such as *Akkermansia* and *Bifidobacterium*, which helps maintain the integrity of the mucous layer. Unhealthy aging is characterized by the persistent dominance of *Bacteroides*, which can exacerbate the permeability of the intestinal barrier. Recent clinical observations using synbiotics (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics) have revealed an improvement in symptoms of chronic fatigue and cognitive issues in patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19. This highlights the significance of therapeutic approaches aimed at altering the microbial profile for supporting the nervous system and overall well-being. The discussion participants also focused on creating social conditions that would allow older adults to maintain an active role in life. Tomo Matsuda, Research Director at Mitsubishi Research Institute, presented the concept of a “Platinum Society,” according to which seniors can continue to contribute to the development of society, science, and the economy. He also addressed public programs aimed at maintaining the social activity and continuous learning of retirees.
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