A gradual decline in biological function over time, driven by processes like DNA damage, inflammation, and cellular senescence. Ageing increases the risk of disease and mortality and is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

An energy-sensing enzyme that activates when cellular energy is low. AMPK promotes processes like fat burning, autophagy, and glucose uptake while inhibiting pathways that accelerate ageing, such as mTOR. It plays a central role in metabolic health and is a key target in longevity research.

Molecules that neutralise free radicals, preventing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants like vitamin C, E, polyphenols, and glutathione support immune health, reduce inflammation, and play a role in slowing biological ageing.

A fermented vinegar made from apples, often promoted for blood sugar control and gut health. While not directly anti-ageing, it may support metabolic health, which contributes to healthy ageing when used in moderation. 

A programmed cell death mechanism that removes damaged or unnecessary cells in a controlled way. Apoptosis prevents malfunctioning cells from becoming cancerous and helps maintain tissue health. Unlike necrosis, it does not trigger inflammation.

A natural cellular process where the body breaks down and recycles damaged cell components. Autophagy helps maintain cell health, supports immune function, and may slow ageing. It is activated by stressors like fasting, caloric restriction, and exercise.

A plant-derived compound with purported effects similar to metformin. Berberine improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and may support cardiovascular and metabolic health. It's increasingly studied for its potential role in healthy ageing.

Biological age measures how old your body is functionally, based on physiological and molecular markers like DNA methylation, inflammation, and metabolic health. Unlike chronological age, it reflects lifestyle and health status. A lower biological age compared to actual age suggests slower ageing and lower disease risk.

A scientific field focused on the biological mechanisms of ageing. Biogerontologists study how ageing occurs at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, with the aim of extending healthspan, preventing age-related diseases, and improving quality of life in older adults.

A selective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. As we age, this barrier can become more permeable, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease.

Geographic regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. Common traits include plant-based diets, daily movement, strong social connections, and low chronic stress. Blue Zones offer lifestyle insights into natural longevity.

Refers to the functional state of the brain across cognition, emotion, and memory. Ageing, inflammation, and lifestyle factors influence brain health. Key contributors to longevity include neuroplasticity, healthy blood flow, antioxidant protection, and the prevention of neurodegeneration.

A state in which cells stop dividing and begin releasing inflammatory molecules, damaging surrounding tissue. Senescent cells accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. Removing them with senolytics may support healthier ageing.

The study of biological rhythms and how they affect behaviour, metabolism, and gene expression. Circadian rhythms regulate sleep, hormone release, and cellular repair. Disruptions, such as poor sleep or irregular eating patterns, can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk.

Compounds that mimic the cellular effects of caloric restriction without reducing food intake. They activate pathways like AMPK and inhibit mTOR, potentially increasing lifespan and improving metabolic health. Examples include resveratrol and metformin.

The most abundant protein in the body, providing structure to skin, bones, and connective tissue. Collagen production declines with age, contributing to wrinkles and joint issues. Supplementation may support skin elasticity and joint health, although evidence varies.

A compound found in mitochondria that helps generate energy and functions as an antioxidant. CoQ10 levels decline with age and may impair energy metabolism. Supplementation has been studied for heart health, fatigue, and cellular protection.

An epigenetic process where methyl groups are added to DNA, affecting how genes are expressed. Patterns of DNA methylation change with age and are used in biological ageing clocks. These changes can either promote or suppress gene activity.

An imbalance in the gut microbiome that disrupts digestion, immunity, and inflammation control. Dysbiosis is linked to ageing-related conditions such as metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, and autoimmune diseases. Gut health restoration is a growing focus in longevity science.

Molecules released by stressed or damaged cells that alert the immune system and trigger inflammation. Chronic activation of DAMPs contributes to inflammaging and several age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular conditions.

The study of how gene expression is regulated without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, are influenced by lifestyle, diet, and environment. These changes play a major role in ageing and age-related diseases.

A tool that estimates biological age by measuring DNA methylation patterns. It provides insight into how fast or slow an individual is ageing at the cellular level. Used in longevity research and clinical studies to track the effectiveness of anti-ageing interventions.

Tiny membrane-bound vesicles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material to other cells. Exosomes play a role in cellular communication, regeneration, and inflammation. They are being studied for their potential in anti-ageing therapies and regenerative medicine.

A gene variant linked to longevity in multiple populations. FOXO3 helps regulate cell survival, stress resistance, and metabolism. It is involved in the body’s defence against oxidative stress and may help delay the onset of age-related diseases.

A plant-derived flavonoid with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and senolytic properties. Fisetin may help clear senescent cells and potentially reduce inflammation, supporting healthier ageing. It is being studied as a potential supplement in longevity and brain health protocols.

A process of tissue repair that happens gradually through small-scale cellular renewal. It maintains function and structural integrity over time. Enhancing this process could be key in slowing tissue decline associated with ageing.

A protein involved in tissue repair and regeneration. Once thought to decline with age, some studies suggest restoring GDF11 could reverse age-related damage in muscles, brain, and heart. Research is ongoing and somewhat controversial.

A multidisciplinary field that explores the biological relationship between ageing and chronic diseases. Geroscience aims to understand how slowing the ageing process could delay or prevent multiple age-related conditions at once.

A combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine that boosts glutathione production — the body’s master antioxidant. GlyNAC supplementation has shown promise in improving mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and reversing markers of ageing in small human trials.

Harmful compounds formed when sugars bind to proteins or fats. AGEs accumulate with age and contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage. They are linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.

A hormone that enhances insulin secretion, reduces appetite, and slows gastric emptying. GLP-1 plays a major role in blood sugar control and is a key target in obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment — and now in longevity-focused weight management.

A simple but powerful biomarker of overall strength and biological ageing. Lower grip strength is linked to increased mortality risk and chronic disease. It reflects neuromuscular health and is used as a predictor of frailty.

An experimental technique where the circulatory systems of a young and an old animal are connected. It’s used to study the effects of young blood on ageing. Some studies suggest that young plasma may rejuvenate tissues, while old plasma may accelerate ageing in young animals.

A biological phenomenon where low levels of stress or toxins stimulate beneficial adaptive responses in cells and organisms. Common hormetic stressors include fasting, exercise, cold exposure, and heat. Hormesis may enhance resilience and promote longevity.

An increase in DNA methylation that can silence gene expression. While some methylation is protective, hypermethylation of certain genes (e.g. tumour suppressors) is associated with ageing and disease progression, including cancer and neurodegeneration.

The portion of life spent in good health, free from chronic disease and disability. The goal of longevity science is not only to extend lifespan but to increase healthspan — maximising years of high physical, cognitive, and emotional function.

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A waste product composed of oxidised fats and proteins that accumulates in cells over time. Often called “age pigment,” lipofuscin is a hallmark of ageing and is associated with cellular dysfunction, particularly in the brain and eyes.

The total number of years an organism lives. Increasing lifespan is a goal of some longevity research, but it is often paired with increasing healthspan — the years lived in good health, without chronic disease or disability.

Genetic disorders caused by mutations in the nuclear lamina (proteins that support the cell nucleus). They offer insight into the mechanisms of premature ageing, as some laminopathies (like Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome) mimic accelerated biological ageing.

The ability to live a long life, often defined not just by years lived but by the preservation of function and quality of life. Longevity science explores how biology, genetics, lifestyle, and therapeutics can extend both lifespan and healthspan.

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An imbalance between free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and the body’s antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress damages DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, contributing to ageing and many chronic diseases. Antioxidants, exercise, and certain compounds may help reduce oxidative stress.

The capacity of an organ to return to normal function after stress or injury. Organ reserve declines with age, reducing resilience and increasing vulnerability to disease. Maintaining or restoring organ reserve is a key goal of longevity interventions.

A nutrient-sensing process where sugars are attached to proteins, influencing cellular signalling. While essential for normal function, excessive O-GlcNAcylation is linked to ageing, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration. It’s a potential target in age-related disease research.

Essential fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseeds, and algae. Omega-3s help manage blood sugar levels, support cardiovascular and brain health, and may slow biological ageing. They are widely studied for their protective effects on longevity-related diseases.

The maintenance of protein balance in cells, including the synthesis, folding, and breakdown of proteins. Ageing disrupts proteostasis, leading to the buildup of damaged proteins seen in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Supporting proteostasis helps preserve cell function.

Organic compounds involved in cell growth, gene expression, and tissue regeneration. Levels decline with age, but compounds like spermidine — a dietary polyamine — have shown potential to extend lifespan by inducing autophagy and reducing inflammation.

A reversible, dormant state in which stem cells remain inactive until needed for repair or regeneration. Quiescence preserves stem cell function and prevents exhaustion, but prolonged inactivity or failure to reactivate can impair tissue maintenance with age.

A measure of overall well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health. In longevity science, improving QOL means not just extending lifespan but enhancing vitality, independence, and life satisfaction throughout ageing.

A plant flavonoid with possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin is studied as a senolytic — a compound that helps eliminate senescent cells. It may support cardiovascular health, immunity, and healthy ageing, especially when combined with other longevity compounds like fisetin.

A compound that inhibits mTOR, a key ageing-related pathway. In animal studies, rapamycin extends lifespan and improves healthspan by promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. It’s under active research as a pharmacological anti-ageing agent in humans.

Highly reactive molecules produced during metabolism. While low levels play signalling roles, excess ROS cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Managing ROS through antioxidants and mitochondrial health is essential in slowing the ageing process.

A natural polyphenol found in red grapes and berries. Resveratrol activates sirtuins and may mimic caloric restriction effects. It's researched for its potential to improve metabolic function, protect against age-related diseases, and promote longevity.

A state in which cells permanently stop dividing in response to damage or stress. Senescent cells accumulate with age and release pro-inflammatory signals, contributing to tissue dysfunction and chronic disease. Clearing these cells is a key longevity strategy.

A class of compounds that selectively target and eliminate senescent cells. By reducing the inflammatory burden caused by these dysfunctional cells, senolytics may improve tissue function, delay age-related disease, and extend healthspan. Examples include fisetin and quercetin.

A family of proteins that regulate cellular repair, metabolism, inflammation, and stress resistance. Activated by NAD+, fasting, and compounds like resveratrol, sirtuins play a central role in healthy ageing and lifespan extension in various organisms.

A decline in the number and function of stem cells as we age, leading to reduced tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cell exhaustion is a hallmark of ageing and contributes to organ decline and frailty.

A naturally occurring polyamine that promotes autophagy and supports cellular renewal. Spermidine levels decline with age, and supplementation has shown promise in improving cardiovascular, cognitive, and immune function — making it a rising star in longevity science.

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides. When telomeres become too short, cells enter senescence or die. Telomere length is considered a marker of biological ageing.

An enzyme that adds length to telomeres, helping maintain chromosomal integrity. While normally inactive in most adult cells, telomerase activation may slow cellular ageing — though excessive activation is linked to cancer risk.

The gradual shrinking of the thymus gland with age, reducing the production of new immune cells (T cells). Thymic involution weakens immune response and contributes to immunosenescence in older adults.

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