Aging and longevity science: where are we in 2015?

Abstract

Aging has been defined as the loss of function and ability to interact with the environment. The social perception of aging involves the inability to live independently due to loss of mobility, cognition, and sensory functions. Aging is a risk factor for pathology including cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and neurodegenerative disease. Due to these accompanying conditions, the esteem and respect once regarded for old age has been replaced by efforts to postpone, stop, or even reverse the aging process. Anti-aging medicine has gained popularity through media and marketing as companies have promoted an approach to delaying the side effects of aging through diet, exercise, supplements and hormonal therapy. The following is a comprehensive review of current research into potential strategies for anti-aging therapy and longevity, supported by current scientific and clinical research.