Understanding How Lifestyle Shapes Our Aging Process
As we go through life, our bodies change. It’s like how a car’s hinges weaken over time with every slam of the door. But did you know that our lifestyle choices can also affect how our bodies age and deteriorate? That’s what Professor Deepak Saini and his team at the newly launched ‘Longevity India Initiative’ want to find out.
Their focus is on us, the people of India. They want to understand what makes us tick and how we can stay healthy and active as we grow older. To do this, they’re starting a big study. They’ll be looking at things like our immunity, how our bodies work, and even the specific signs of aging in different organs.
First, they’ll need volunteers—healthy folks from all walks of life, aged 19 to over 100. These volunteers will answer questions about their lifestyle and health. Then, they’ll give samples like blood and stool for testing. It’s a big job, and they’re aiming to recruit at least 2,000 people. This study will be led by the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, with help from Bangalore Medical College and M S Ramaiah Medical College.
But not everyone can join in. People with chronic illnesses or recent infections won’t be included. The researchers want to get a clear picture of what’s normal and what’s not as we age.
The main goal of this study? To find out what makes some people age more gracefully than others. By pinpointing the signs of healthy aging, they hope to find ways to slow down or even reverse the aging process.
Dr. Saini explains it like this: “We want to know which part of the body is most likely to give out first.” With this knowledge, they can work on ways to keep us healthy and active for longer.
This project isn’t small—it involves researchers from different fields, doctors, industry partners, and even people who want to help out. It’s a big step towards understanding how we age and how we can do it better.
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And it’s not just about science—it’s about making life better for all of us. With the help of generous supporters like Prashanth Prakash from Accel India, this initiative is ready to take on the challenge of healthier aging for all of us.
Q&A
Q: What is the ‘Longevity India Initiative’ all about?
A: The Longevity India Initiative is a research project led by Professor Deepak Saini and his team. They aim to understand how lifestyle choices impact the aging process in the Indian population and find ways to promote healthier aging.
Q: Who can participate in the study?
A: Healthy individuals aged 19 and above, without chronic disorders or recent infections, can volunteer to participate in the study. The researchers aim to recruit at least 2,000 people from various backgrounds.
Q: What will participants be asked to do?
A: Participants will be asked to fill out detailed questionnaires about their lifestyle and medical history. They will also provide biological samples such as blood and stool for analysis.
Q: How long will the study take?
A: The initial data sampling phase is expected to take at least two years to process. However, the entire study may span over several years as researchers analyze the collected data and conduct further investigations.
Q: What are the main goals of the study?
A: The primary goals of the study are to identify biological markers of healthy aging, understand how lifestyle choices influence the aging process, and develop interventions to promote longevity and improve health span.
Q: Who is involved in the research?
A: The research involves collaboration between multiple departments at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), clinicians, industry partners, philanthropists, and members of civil society.
Q: How will the study assess the effects of lifestyle choices on aging?
A: The study will collect data on various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption through detailed questionnaires. Researchers will then analyze this information alongside biological samples to understand how these factors influence the aging process.
Q: What specific aspects of aging will the study focus on?
A: The study will assess immunity, biological changes, functional changes, and organ-specific signatures of aging in the Indian population. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of the aging process.
Q: Will the study compare different age groups?
A: Yes, the study will involve participants from different age groups, ranging from 19 to over 100 years old. By comparing data across these age groups, researchers can identify patterns and trends in the aging process.
Q: How will the study benefit the Indian population?
A: The study aims to provide insights into how Indians age and deteriorate, helping to tailor interventions and healthcare strategies specifically for this population. Ultimately, the goal is to extend healthy life expectancy and promote overall well-being among Indians.
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Q: What role do industry partners play in the research?
A: Industry partners contribute expertise, resources, and funding to support the research efforts. Their involvement enhances collaboration and enables the translation of research findings into practical applications for promoting healthier aging.
