Antiageing strategies

The certainty of ageing and death has been a major concern of humans since the beginnings of time, with a consequent never-ending search for methods to combat the consequences of the ageing process and delay the final moment as long as possible. This chapter explores the topic of antiageing therapies from different perspectives. It discusses the rationale behind the possible delay of death, disease, and disability. Then, some of the advances in biogerontological research in animal models and possible translations into humans are explored. The chapter examines the results of epidemiological studies on lifestyle modification proven to be effective in promoting healthy ageing. Disability and functional dependence associated with ageing may be reversible to some extent; however, when the functional reserve becomes extremely depleted, the restoration of normal function is no longer possible.