Longevity – Is the Key in Your Genetics?
Clever ways to slow down ageing have been explored for millennia, but these days the spotlight is less on achieving eternal youth and more on optimising the time you have. The trend towards staying fit and healthy in your later years is building in popularity, and with it the hunt for answers. Everyone, from scientists to fitness influencers, is talking about how we can avoid preventable age-related issues and stay healthier for longer.
It’s in your DNA
Telomeres are the protective ‘caps’ at the end of chromosomes, which is where our DNA is stored. As we age telomeres shorten so measuring and tracking them is a reliable way to estimate a person’s biological age and importantly, customise anti-ageing therapies. Telomere testing has already improved our understanding of longevity significantly, particularly how to maintain and improve cellular health, prevent age-related decline, and manage chronic diseases. Monitoring telomere length can also provide early indicators of potential health issues and guide interventions to mitigate disease risk. Telomere shortening has been linked to the increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer 1.
The future is wide open
DNA testing and genomics is a very exciting area for the future of personal wellness, longevity and vitality. This cutting-edge, fast-moving and innovative science has the potential to give us more control of our health than ever before, making the dream of living a healthy and active life for longer a real possibility. With the enhanced technological capabilities, affordability and accessibility of smart DNA testing people no longer need to worry about slowing down, giving up their active hobbies or having to change their life as they get older, particularly as they enter into the ‘retirement’ years. We now have the information, insights and know-how to detect issues early, mitigate risks and ensure that retirement isn’t the only option! Moreover, the advancement in genomics is driving a revolution in preventative healthcare which is fundamentally changing the healthcare industry and improving outcomes for patients globally.
Find out more
If you’re interested in finding out more about your own cellular ageing process, Smart Salem offers telomere analysis through our Smart DNA Age Well package. Consisting of a mouth swab, blood test, body composition analysis and consultation with a specialist, you will receive personalised recommendations on how to reduce, minimise and prevent age-related issues and DNA-based lifestyle modifications to help you live healthier for longer.
1 Zhu et al., 2023
